incite reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

"incite reflection" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to provoke or stimulate deep thought or contemplation. Example: The thought-provoking speech by the activist incited reflection on the current state of society.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These findings incite reflection upon the existing literature on representations of the donor in single-mother families.

Human Reproduction

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The artist selected humpback whales for their "gentle nature, sheer size" which incited ample reflections on human significance by comparision.

Vice

In any case, the stringency of the law and its prominent application suggest the fear, on the part of France's political class, of word inciting deed, which is, in itself, quite a reflection of the passions being kept below the boiling point there.

The New Yorker

Ms. Webb's reflections are followed by those of a Rwandan man on the cultural divide that helped incite the atrocities of 1994, and how sexual stereotypes played a role in the horror that unfolded.

The New York Times

Facilitate critical reflection: Facilitators and group members must guide and motivate individual participants through the debriefing session, inciting and empowering learners to challenge their own beliefs and habits.

BMC Medical Education

They incite ethnic rifts.

The New York Times - Magazine

Contemplative reflection?

Independent

For reflection?

The New York Times - Arts

"It will incite economic activity".

The New York Times

It could incite an altercation.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a sad reflection on the state of Australian democracy that legitimate questions cannot be raised in a public forum without inciting a campaign of ill-informed and dishonest intimidation".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incite reflection" when you want to express the idea of actively prompting someone to think deeply about a particular topic or experience. For example, a documentary might "incite reflection" on social injustice.

Common error

Avoid using "incite reflection" when you mean simply to 'cause' or 'create' a reflection. "Incite" implies a deliberate prompting or stimulation, not just any instance of reflective thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incite reflection" functions as a verb-noun combination where "incite" (verb) denotes the action of stimulating or provoking, and "reflection" (noun) refers to the state of thoughtful consideration. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is grammatically correct and aims to trigger deep thought.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incite reflection" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, designed to prompt deep thought or contemplation. While relatively rare in usage, it's applicable across various formal and neutral contexts, particularly in Science and News & Media. Alternative phrases, such as "prompt contemplation" or "encourage introspection", can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to employ "incite" when a deliberate prompting is intended, and avoid confusing it with similar verbs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prompt contemplation

Emphasizes the initiation of a contemplative state; more formal.

encourage introspection

Focuses on stimulating self-examination and inner thought.

foster thoughtfulness

Highlights the cultivation of a thoughtful attitude.

spark consideration

Suggests a sudden initiation of thoughtful evaluation.

stimulate contemplation

Similar to prompt contemplation, but with a sense of ongoing activity.

trigger introspection

Implies a more forceful or reactive initiation of self-examination.

generate rumination

Focuses on encouraging deep and prolonged thought.

provoke thoughtfulness

Emphasizes causing a thoughtful state, often in response to something.

inspire deliberation

Suggests motivating careful and thorough consideration.

encourage deep thought

A more general term for stimulating profound mental activity.

FAQs

How can I use "incite reflection" in a sentence?

You can use "incite reflection" to describe something that prompts deep thought or contemplation. For example, "The film's powerful message incited reflection on the meaning of life."

What are some alternatives to "incite reflection"?

Alternatives to "incite reflection" include phrases like "prompt contemplation", "encourage introspection", or "foster thoughtfulness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "incite reflection" formal or informal?

"Incite reflection" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. It is not overly technical, yet it maintains a level of sophistication appropriate for academic, journalistic, or professional writing.

What's the difference between "incite reflection" and "encourage reflection"?

"Incite reflection" suggests a stronger, more active prompting of thought, while "encourage reflection" implies a gentler, more supportive stimulus. "Incite" carries a sense of urgency or necessity, whereas "encourage" is more invitational.