matter for reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matter for reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics or issues that warrant careful thought or consideration. Example: "The recent events in our community are a matter for reflection, prompting us to think about our values and priorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

From the 75 years it encompasses, it distills rich matter for reflection about Islamic art itself and about its pertinence for a modern Western audience.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bodies and minds after such an afternoon are bound to be in bits, and in the players' recovery lie matters for reflection.

The Guardian - Sport

That surveys show that this is not a widely held view ought to be a matter for self-reflection.

The Guardian

Some have picked up on what Leibniz says in the quotation above ("…apperception, which is consciousness, or the reflective knowledge of this internal state") and argue that consciousness, for Leibniz, is a matter of reflection.

SEP

But what for some is a stumbling block and for others grist for political analysis has also been matter for profound theological reflection.

The New York Times

The review opened with a sentence that has since been widely quoted: "That such a book as this should have been permitted to go forth to the world with the imprimatur of the University of Cambridge, affords matter for very grave reflection".

The New Yorker

Island friends still speak of the love that the Bentons had for the Vineyard, and Benton himself wrote that Martha's Vineyard had a profound effect on him by providing "a homely subject matter and a great quiet for reflection".

The New York Times - Arts

It was here, among the woods and hills, that Goethe in 1770 claimed to discover that "passion for reflection on economic and technical matters" that occupied much of his life.

The Economist

The actual process of self-improvement is initially a matter of consciously slowing down one's thought processes to allow for reflection prior to assent.

SEP

Only certain creatures are even candidates for blame in the first place, and though it is a matter of some controversy which precise capacities are required, the list certainly includes the capacities for reflection, deliberation, decision-making, and self-determination.

SEP

But there is a peculiar quality of claustrophobic horror in Jewish reflections on the matter, for they are the chosen people whose whole history is of wrangling with God; yet an omnipotent God singled them out for this dreadful fate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "matter for reflection" when you want to emphasize that something deserves careful and thoughtful consideration. It implies a need for deeper analysis rather than a quick decision.

Common error

While "matter for reflection" is a valid phrase, overuse in casual conversations can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "something to think about" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter for reflection" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a topic, issue, or situation that warrants careful consideration and thoughtful analysis. Examples from Ludwig suggest its use in academic, news, and artistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Arts

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matter for reflection" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that identifies a topic or issue deserving thoughtful consideration. As verified by Ludwig, it appears across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and the Arts, often signaling the need for in-depth analysis. While versatile, its formal tone is most appropriate for professional, academic, or serious discussions. Alternatives like "subject for consideration" or "topic for contemplation" can provide nuanced options. Remember to reserve this expression for situations genuinely requiring careful thought to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject for consideration

Focuses on the aspect of something needing to be considered.

topic for contemplation

Emphasizes the act of deep thinking and contemplation.

point for deliberation

Highlights the need for careful discussion and debate.

reason for introspection

Suggests a cause or motive for self-examination.

area for contemplation

Highlights the aspect of something needing to be contemplated.

issue for consideration

Focuses on a specific problem or concern that needs to be addressed.

theme for reflection

Implies a recurring idea or concept suitable for thoughtful examination.

occasion for thought

Suggests a specific event or circumstance that prompts reflection.

cause for consideration

Highlights the reason or justification for giving something thought.

prompt for introspection

Suggests something that encourages self-analysis.

FAQs

How to use "matter for reflection" in a sentence?

Use "matter for reflection" to introduce a topic or situation that warrants careful thought and consideration. For example, "The ethical implications of AI are a serious matter for reflection."

What can I say instead of "matter for reflection"?

You can use alternatives like "subject for consideration", "topic for contemplation", or "point for deliberation" depending on the context.

Is "material for reflection" the same as "matter for reflection"?

While similar, "material for reflection" suggests providing the content or information that prompts thought, whereas "matter for reflection" refers to the subject or issue itself that requires consideration. So "material for reflection" gives you more resources to work with.

When is it appropriate to use "matter for reflection"?

It's appropriate in formal writing, academic discussions, or when addressing serious or complex issues that require in-depth analysis and thought.