muse on

USAGE SUMMARY

"muse on" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to reflect and think deeply or contemplatively on a subject. Example: He spent a long time musing on the events of the past year and all the changes he had made in his life.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Younger children will like the happy ending; older ones can muse on the subtler lessons.

The New York Times - Books

Grownups can muse on whether their recollections of the troll under the bridge matches the one devised by Robert Bender.

The New York Times

One fact eccentric I often muse on;.

The New Yorker

Sometimes I muse on this little bill.

The New Yorker

He preferred to muse on the question of plausibility.

The New Yorker

We just muse on where we can get some.

The New York Times

Jed breaks off to muse on historical parallels.

The New Yorker

Many songs muse on this dilemma and exact story.

The Guardian - Music

Maggie's Plan has made her muse on motherhood.

The Guardian - Film

Most likely to: Muse on the nature of authenticity.

The Guardian - Music

While anyone and everyone will happily muse on the designer's genius, given the chance.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "muse on" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration, often involving reflection on a topic's deeper meaning or implications. It adds a touch of introspection to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "muse on" in situations that call for simpler terms like "think about" or "consider". "Muse on" implies a deeper level of contemplation that might be inappropriate in everyday conversation or straightforward instructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "muse on" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating a state of thoughtful contemplation. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, where subjects are reflecting and thinking deeply. Examples include musing on historical parallels or the nature of courage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "muse on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating deep, reflective thought. Ludwig AI validates its presence in diverse contexts, most prominently in news and media, followed by science. It strikes a balance between neutral and formal, making it suitable for contexts where thoughtful consideration is emphasized. While "think about" can suffice for simpler situations, "muse on" adds a layer of introspection, encouraging writers to convey more profound reflections. Related phrases like "reflect upon" or "contemplate" can serve as valuable alternatives, depending on the desired nuance and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reflect upon

Emphasizes careful and considered thought about a past event or experience.

reflect on

Focuses on drawing lessons or insights from past experiences.

contemplate

Suggests a more formal and deliberate consideration of a topic.

ponder over

Implies weighing different aspects of a subject with careful thought.

deliberate on

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

ruminate about

Implies a deep and often prolonged period of thought, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation.

meditate on

Suggests a more spiritual or introspective form of thinking.

chew over

A more informal way to suggest thinking about something for a while.

speculate about

Involves forming theories or conjectures without firm evidence.

give thought to

A more general way to express thinking about something.

FAQs

How can I use "muse on" in a sentence?

You can use "muse on" to indicate deep thought or contemplation, as in, "He liked to "muse on" the meaning of life while sitting by the river."

What's a more formal alternative to "muse on"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "contemplate" or "reflect upon" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "muse on" and "think about"?

While both involve thought, "muse on" suggests a more profound and leisurely consideration compared to the general act of "think about" something.

When is it appropriate to use "muse on" in writing?

It's suitable when describing someone engaging in deep, reflective thought, especially about philosophical or abstract concepts. Consider using simpler alternatives in casual contexts.