on further reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

"on further reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a realization or thought that has developed or changed after considering something in more detail. Example sentence: On further reflection, I realized that the risks of the project outweighed any potential benefits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

UPDATE: 6 p.m. CT -- In an statement sent early Wednesday night to HuffPost, Ponce expressed a change of heart on the matter, writing that "on further reflection we feel that we missed the mark in the series of gang questions I asked Commissioner Garcia".

Huffington Post

Myth-busting authors often contrive statements that seem reasonable but on further reflection are so one-sided that they are clearly false.

The New York Times

At first, one is hard-pressed to find anything "usual" in Muggenthaler's picture; on further reflection, perhaps this is quite a usual day for these particular creatures.

The New York Times - Books

On further reflection that is absolutely fundamental.

The Guardian

On further reflection, though, this site-specific installation can take on a more political resonance.

The Guardian - Arts

But on further reflection, I think that this was a good idea.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Since those actions could lead to further reflections, reflecting on experiences was identified as a cyclic process that transformed significant experiences into deliberate, well informed practical actions.

BMC Medical Education

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an online Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) exercise with a face-to-face debriefing session would prompt third year medical students to reflect on their current skills and lead them to further reflection on clinical decision making in the future.

BMC Medical Education

The way respondents differentiate disease and impairment when answering questions related to anxiety and mood suggests avenues for further reflection on the criteria people use to specify their difficulties in one plane of experience or the other.

ALTER - European Journal of Disability Research - Revue Européenne de Recherche sur le Handicap

By explicitly designating the patient's behaviour as a role she is taking up, one group member opened up further reflection on the meaning of this behaviour.

BMC Family Practice

Lt. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the acting commander of American forces in Southwest Asia, made an unannounced visit to the tribal areas on Monday, a further reflection of American concern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on further reflection" to introduce a revised opinion or understanding, especially after considering new information or different viewpoints.

Common error

Avoid using "on further reflection" merely as a transitional phrase without a genuine shift in perspective or added insight. The phrase is most effective when it signals a meaningful change in thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on further reflection" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a clause by indicating the circumstances or the time at which a realization or change of mind occurred. It sets the context for a revised opinion, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on further reflection" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce a revised opinion or understanding after additional consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively signals a shift in perspective, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While frequently found in news media and academic writing, it's important to use it genuinely to mark a change in thought rather than as a mere transition. Consider alternatives like "upon reconsideration" or "in retrospect" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon reconsideration

Replaces "reflection" with "reconsideration", emphasizing the act of rethinking.

after reconsidering

Similar to "upon reconsideration" but uses a gerund phrase, focusing on the action of reconsidering.

in retrospect

Highlights looking back on a past event or decision.

looking back

Similar to "in retrospect" but more informal.

with hindsight

Emphasizes understanding a situation only after it has occurred.

having thought it over

Focuses on the process of thinking about something extensively.

after giving it more thought

Similar to "having thought it over" but more explicit about the act of thinking.

on second thought

A more casual and direct way of expressing a change of mind.

upon closer examination

Highlights a more detailed and careful review.

after careful consideration

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the thought process.

FAQs

How can I use "on further reflection" in a sentence?

You can use "on further reflection" to introduce a revised opinion or understanding. For example, "I initially thought it was a good idea; however, "on further reflection", I realized the risks were too high."

What are some alternatives to "on further reflection"?

Some alternatives include "upon reconsideration", "in retrospect", or "on second thought", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "on further reflection" formal or informal?

"On further reflection" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and general communication.

What's the difference between "on further reflection" and "after reflection"?

"On further reflection" implies a second or subsequent consideration, suggesting a change in perspective after the initial thought. "After reflection" is a more general term that simply indicates consideration has taken place.