mulling over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mulling over" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of taking your time to ponder or think deeply about something. For example: "John spent the weekend mulling over possible solutions to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're also mulling over different provisions to eliminate fraud.

The Washington Post

"It's still a decision I am mulling over," said Delve.

BBC

We have a couple of spinners that we are mulling over," he said.

BBC

Or still mulling over the possibilities?

Columbia University

Avitaj Mitra is mulling over the summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Incubation involves mulling over information, often unconsciously.

Harvard Business Review

Ripken was actually mulling over the question.

The New York Times - Sports

I've been mulling over some thorny issues this week.

The New York Times

Mulling over my dilemma, I came to some conclusions.

The New York Times

Levin was already mulling over contenders for a 2016 installment.

The New Yorker

He has been mulling over ways to recreate it indoors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mulling over" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful, unhurried consideration. It suggests a process of turning something over in your mind.

Common error

Avoid using "mulling over" as an excuse for inaction. While thoughtful consideration is valuable, ensure it leads to a decision or conclusion rather than endless deliberation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mulling over" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as the main verb within a sentence to describe an action. It expresses the process of thinking deeply and carefully about something. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mulling over" is a common and versatile phrasal verb used to describe the process of thinking deeply and carefully about something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in various contexts, particularly in news media and academic writing. While "mulling over" is generally neutral in tone, it leans toward informal, making it suitable for a broad range of writing styles. Alternatives like "contemplating" or "considering" can be used for a more formal tone. Remember to avoid using "mulling over" as an excuse for inaction, and ensure that your thoughtful consideration leads to a conclusion or decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contemplating

Single word, suggests a more formal and internal process of thinking.

considering

Implies a more deliberate and objective evaluation.

pondering

Suggests a deep and prolonged thought process, often about something significant.

reflecting on

Emphasizes reviewing past events or experiences.

thinking about

A more general and less intense way of expressing consideration.

deliberating on

Suggests a formal and careful discussion or debate, often before making a decision.

weighing up

Implies carefully balancing different options or factors.

giving thought to

More formal and emphasizes the act of dedicating mental energy to something.

chewing over

A more informal idiom for thinking something over carefully.

wrestling with

Suggests a difficult and challenging thought process.

FAQs

How can I use "mulling over" in a sentence?

You can use "mulling over" to describe the process of thinking deeply about something. For example, "She spent the evening mulling over the job offer".

What are some alternatives to "mulling over"?

You can use alternatives like "contemplating", "considering", or "pondering" depending on the context.

Is "mulling over" formal or informal?

"Mulling over" is generally considered to be neutral in tone, suitable for both informal and moderately formal contexts.

What's the difference between "mulling over" and "thinking about"?

"Mulling over" implies a deeper, more prolonged consideration than simply "thinking about". It suggests a process of turning something over in your mind, examining it from different angles.