on reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

'on reflection' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when someone is thinking deeply about something and has come to a conclusion or change of opinion. For example, "On reflection, I realized that I had been wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some may on reflection be wrong.

The Economist

On reflection, he did identify one culprit.

The Guardian - Sport

On reflection, very little.

The New York Times

On reflection: yes.

The New Yorker

On reflection, though, it's understandable.

The New York Times

On reflection, this feels invasive and annoying.

The New York Times

On reflection, that column was too narrow.

The New York Times

On reflection, the opposite is true.

The New Yorker

But on reflection, was it really journalism?

The New York Times

On reflection, this made sense to Popkin.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Keep scrolling for some hilarious anecdotes and spot-on reflections.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on reflection" to introduce a revised opinion or understanding after careful consideration. It adds depth to your argument and shows thoughtful analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "on reflection" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives such as "in retrospect" or "after reconsideration".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on reflection" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a change in perspective or understanding after a period of thought. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on reflection" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to signal a revised understanding after careful consideration. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news, academic, and business writing. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, varying your phrasing is important to avoid repetition. Alternatives such as "in retrospect" or "after reconsideration" can add nuance to your writing. The phrase functions as an adverbial, modifying verbs or clauses, and maintains a neutral register suitable for formal and informal communication. It's all-round quality, "on reflection".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in retrospect

Focuses on looking back at a past event with new understanding.

after reconsideration

Emphasizes the act of actively thinking about something again.

with hindsight

Highlights understanding a situation only after it has occurred.

looking back

A more general term for reviewing past events or decisions.

upon further thought

Indicates a more deliberate and thoughtful reconsideration.

on second thought

Suggests a change of mind after initial consideration.

in light of new information

Implies a change in perspective due to new facts or details.

after some thought

Indicates that some deliberation has occurred before a change in opinion.

considering everything

Implies a comprehensive review of all relevant factors.

assessing the situation

Highlights the evaluation of circumstances leading to a revised view.

FAQs

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

Use "on reflection" to signal a change or refinement of your earlier thought or opinion. For example, "I initially believed X, but "on reflection", I now understand Y."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "on reflection"?

You can use phrases like "in retrospect", "after reconsideration", or "with hindsight" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "on reflection" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "on reflection" is appropriate for formal writing as it indicates a thoughtful and considered reassessment of a topic.

What is the difference between "on reflection" and "reflecting on"?

"On reflection" introduces a conclusion or realization after thinking, while "reflecting on" describes the act of thinking itself. For example, "On reflection, I was wrong," versus "Reflecting on my past, I see many mistakes."