given to reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given to reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is inclined to think deeply or contemplate a situation. Example: "After the meeting, she was given to reflection about the decisions made and their potential impact on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Bush was not one given to reflection, at least not out loud.

The New York Times - Books

It is emphatically not given to reflection, and certainly not to remorse.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think that as a writer I am given to reflection and meditation, and being able to write in turn helped me meditate on this loss.

The New Yorker

Not that any of the couple of hundred teenagers on hand minded: Brokencyde — made up of Mikl, Se7en, Phat J and Antz, all of whom contribute vocals — is not a band given to reflection.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Antipholus of Syracuse is a brooding bachelor, given to reflections on identity; Antipholus of Ephesus is a hedonistic married man, given to buying bling and consorting with prostitutes.

The New York Times

He is not given to theological reflection.

The New York Times - Books

He is a dry military-style tactician, who dislikes the theatrical side of politics, and is given to quiet reflection.

The Economist

A new character has been added to sledgehammer this home, a hybrid being (played by Sam Worthington) much given to trite reflection on the human condition.

The Guardian - Film

Still, Belichick, never given to midseason reflection, will not concede even what seems obvious: that this has been an unusually challenging season for the Patriots.

The New York Times - Sports

O'Hara is not given to deep reflection; in discussing her marriages, which all ended sadly, and her career, she glosses over her bad decisions while protesting her treatment as a decorative actress.

The New York Times - Books

Time should also be given to staff reflection and debriefing.

Archives of Disease in Childhood

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "given to reflection", ensure the context supports their thoughtful or introspective nature. This phrase implies a habitual tendency, not just a one-time occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "given to reflection" in very informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "thoughtful" or "reflective" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given to reflection" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing a characteristic or tendency. It indicates that someone is inclined toward thoughtful consideration and introspection. Ludwig examples illustrate various contexts where this phrase is used to characterize individuals or entities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "given to reflection" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, indicating a tendency towards thoughtfulness and introspection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While not overly common, it fits well in neutral to slightly formal contexts. Remember to reserve its usage for situations where you want to emphasize a habitual thoughtful nature, and avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Consider alternatives such as "thoughtful", "reflective", or "contemplative" when a simpler, more direct adjective is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reflective

A direct adjective indicating a tendency to reflect.

contemplative

An adjective indicating a person who enjoys contemplation.

prone to contemplation

Replaces "given to" with "prone to" and "reflection" with "contemplation", emphasizing a tendency towards deep thought.

tending towards introspection

Substitutes "given to" with "tending towards" and uses "introspection" for a focus on self-examination.

inclined to ponder

Changes the verb to 'ponder', suggesting a more deliberate and thoughtful consideration.

one for introspection

Uses a more informal phrasing to convey the same meaning.

disposed to ruminate

Uses "disposed to" instead of "given to", and "ruminate" to highlight a more prolonged and cyclical form of reflection.

introspective

A concise adjective emphasizing the inward-focused nature of reflection.

apt to muse

Replaces "reflection" with "muse", implying a quieter, more meditative form of thinking.

thoughtful

A simpler, more direct adjective describing someone who engages in reflection.

FAQs

How can I use "given to reflection" in a sentence?

You can use "given to reflection" to describe someone who is naturally inclined to think deeply about things. For example, "She was "given to reflection" after each meeting, carefully considering every decision."

What does "given to reflection" mean?

"Given to reflection" means that someone has a natural tendency to think deeply and thoughtfully about things; they are introspective and like to consider the implications of events and decisions.

Are there synonyms for "given to reflection"?

Yes, some synonyms include "reflective", "contemplative", "thoughtful", and "introspective". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone is "not given to reflection"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say someone is "not given to reflection". This means they are not inclined to think deeply or introspectively about things; they tend to be more spontaneous or action-oriented. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is used in reliable sources.