muse over

USAGE SUMMARY

"muse over" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of thinking deeply or reflecting on something. Example: "She decided to muse over her options before making a decision." Alternative expressions include "ponder," "contemplate," and "reflect on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"What happens is I muse over stuff.

The New Yorker

Not where people muse over classical literature.

The New York Times - Travel

Elite executive recruiters muse over what a genius CEO he would be.

The Washington Post

I picture rolling over each morning to peer out the window: What breathtaking view shall I muse over today?

The Washington Post

We go there, muse over it, and feel good because we've seen a bittern or some avocets or orchids.

The Guardian

As the summer progresses, all three begin to muse over the shape the book will take and the way it will reflect upon Marsha.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mr Watkins gets lost rambling among minor details, and prefers musing over questions to answering them.

The Economist

Musing over why Amsterdamers are so keen on bikes, Michèl Post, a union official, attributed it to the country's density.

The New York Times

Here are the things that the 2016 MTV Movie Awards left viewers musing over this year.

Los Angeles Times

She muses over the way GPs are employed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Showalter does not want Blalock musing over sudden fame.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "muse over" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration and reflection, often involving a degree of pleasant contemplation. It's suitable when the subject is not under immediate pressure to decide.

Common error

Avoid using "muse over" when describing situations that require quick decision-making or immediate action. Opt for phrases like "consider" or "assess" to better reflect the urgency of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "muse over" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate of a sentence or clause. It signifies a specific action: to think deeply and thoughtfully about something, often with a degree of relaxed contemplation. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "muse over" is a phrasal verb signifying deep, thoughtful consideration, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where contemplation isn't rushed. Alternatives like "ponder" or "contemplate" may suit more formal settings, according to Ludwig AI, but "muse over" holds its own as a balanced and evocative choice for expressing thoughtful reflection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ponder

A shorter, more direct synonym emphasizing deep thought.

contemplate

Implies a more formal and sustained period of reflection.

reflect on

Focuses on looking back and thinking about something in the past.

deliberate about

Suggests a careful and thorough consideration of different options.

meditate on

Implies a more spiritual or introspective form of thinking.

ruminate on

Suggests a deep, often anxious, dwelling on something.

give thought to

A more general phrase for considering something.

chew over

An informal idiom for thinking carefully about something.

turn over in one's mind

Describes repeatedly thinking about something.

weigh up

Suggests balancing different aspects before making a decision.

FAQs

What does "muse over" mean?

"Muse over" means to think deeply or thoughtfully about something, often in a relaxed or contemplative manner.

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

You can use "muse over" in a sentence like this: "She likes to "muse over" old photographs, reminiscing about the past."

What are some alternatives to "muse over"?

Some alternatives to "muse over" include "ponder", "contemplate", or "reflect on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "muse over" formal or informal?

"Muse over" leans towards being a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for both written and spoken contexts, though alternatives might be preferred in very formal settings.