mulling it over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mulling it over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the process of thinking carefully about something or considering it deeply before making a decision. Example: "After mulling it over for a few days, I finally decided to accept the job offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Iran says it will reaffirm its agreement after mulling it over for a few days.

Huffington Post

I spent the day mulling it over, researched the city and its startup scene and about six weeks later I was in Berlin.

The Guardian

He was mulling it over, trying to figure it out.

The New York Times

Still, mulling it over will provide a nice distraction as Alabama cruises in the Iron Bowl.

The New York Times

And after yet another conversation mulling it over, we decided to go for it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mulling it over, we couldn't foresee any terrible damage it could do to me.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We'd be nationalised," exclaims the boss of one largish European bank at the thought of a move, though only after mulling it over for a minute.

The Economist

But after mulling it over for several weeks, he finally agreed to take the post in a conversation with the president on Monday evening.

The New York Times

After a few days of mulling it over, a spokesman, Patrick Reilly, wrote to say that Sirius XM takes stolen-radio reports on "a case by case basis".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

For example, in the new New Yorker, which closed late Friday night, Mike Huckabee makes an appearance as one of "fifteen (by our count) declared, undeclared, and mulling-it-over candidates on the list of G.O.P. hopefuls".

The New Yorker

Poetry by Kevin Young: "In the field the cows consider / oblivion, mulling / it over.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mulling it over" when you want to convey the idea of thoughtful consideration before making a decision. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "mulling it over" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "deliberating" or "considering" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mulling it over" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to describe the action of considering something thoughtfully. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in Ludwig show it often appears when someone is deciding or reflecting on a matter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mulling it over" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies thoughtful consideration. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread acceptance. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral contexts, with alternatives like "deliberating" or "reflecting" preferred in more formal settings. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources, indicating its broad applicability and understanding in everyday communication. Remember to use it when you want to express that someone is carefully considering something before making a decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pondering it

Focuses more on deep thought and reflection.

considering it

A more general term for thinking about something.

thinking it over

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

reflecting on it

Emphasizes looking back and analyzing something.

deliberating about it

Suggests a more formal and careful consideration.

weighing it up

Implies balancing different aspects before deciding.

giving it thought

A more casual way of saying considering something.

chewing it over

An informal expression suggesting thorough consideration.

contemplating it

Implies a more prolonged and serious reflection.

meditating on it

Suggests a deeper, more spiritual form of consideration.

FAQs

What does "mulling it over" mean?

The phrase "mulling it over" means to think carefully about something for a period of time before making a decision or forming an opinion. It implies a process of consideration and reflection.

What are some alternatives to "mulling it over"?

You can use alternatives such as "pondering it", "considering it", or "thinking it over" depending on the context.

Is "mulling it over" appropriate for formal writing?

While "mulling it over" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using terms like "deliberating" or "reflecting" to maintain a professional tone.

How do I use "mulling it over" in a sentence?

You can use "mulling it over" in sentences like: "After "thinking it over", I decided to accept the offer." or "The committee is "pondering it" before making a final decision".