he reflected

USAGE SUMMARY

"he reflected" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate that someone has been considering or pondering something. For example, "He reflected on all of the life changes he had gone through recently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He reflected.

The New York Times

Then he reflected.

The New Yorker

He reflected for a moment.

The New Yorker

He reflected a moment.

The New York Times

"He became distorted," he reflected.

The Guardian - Travel

Then he reflected some more.

The New Yorker

He reflected on his work.

The New York Times

"It's not just about sharing," he reflected.

The New Yorker

"I was really hitting calm," he reflected.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He reflects on life.

The New York Times - Books

"I was adrift," he reflects.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your choice of synonyms for "reflected", such as "pondered" or "contemplated", to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

While "he reflected" is a useful phrase, overuse can make writing feel repetitive. Replace some instances with alternatives like "he considered", "he thought", or simply imply reflection through the character's actions and words.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "he reflected" is to serve as a verb phrase indicating a mental process. It links a subject (he) to an action of thinking deeply or considering something. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he reflected" is a versatile phrase used to depict a character's internal contemplation, commonly found in news and media sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and provides a window into a character's thought process. While it's effective, varying your language with synonyms like "he pondered" or "he considered" can enrich your writing. This phrase is neutral, leaning toward professional and formal in register and allows writers to show character development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he pondered

Replaces "reflected" with a synonym, focusing on deep thought.

he contemplated

Emphasizes a more deliberate and thoughtful consideration.

he considered

Suggests a careful weighing of options or possibilities.

he mused

Implies a quiet, thoughtful reflection, often spoken aloud.

he thought about it

A more casual and straightforward way of expressing reflection.

he deliberated

Highlights a more formal and careful process of consideration.

he gave it some thought

Indicates a period of reflection or consideration.

he weighed the matter

Suggests a careful evaluation of different aspects of a situation.

he turned it over in his mind

Emphasizes the internal and iterative nature of reflection.

he took a moment to consider

Adds a temporal element, highlighting a pause for reflection.

FAQs

How can I use "he reflected" in a sentence?

Use "he reflected" to show a character's internal thoughts or considerations. For example, "After hearing the news, "he reflected" on the implications for his future".

What are some alternatives to "he reflected"?

You can use alternatives such as "he considered", "he pondered", or "he contemplated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he reflected" formal or informal?

"He reflected" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing contexts.

What's the difference between "he reflected" and "he thought"?

"He thought" is a more general term for having an idea or opinion, while "he reflected" implies a deeper, more considered process of thinking. "He reflected" suggests a deliberate effort to understand or evaluate something, which is not necessarily present in the simple act of thinking.