pause and reflect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pause and reflect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to take a moment to think deeply about a situation or decision. Example: "Before making a final decision, it's important to pause and reflect on all the options available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"One must pause and reflect upon nuclear holocaust," he wrote.

The New Yorker

It's a beautiful time to pause and reflect".

The New York Times

But two facts ought to make us pause and reflect.

The Guardian

Regional head Antonio Aureliano: "He needs to pause and reflect".

The Guardian - Sport

This was no time to pause and reflect.

The New York Times

"It used to be you could pause and reflect in a cemetery," she said.

The New York Times

That is not paternalism, just an encouragement to pause and reflect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our generation are responsible, and we must take time to pause and reflect and do something".

The New York Times

But next week we should pause and reflect on a moment of genuine importance.

The Guardian - Opinion

In his speech he urged teachers to "pause and reflect" before joining the walkouts.

The Guardian

You viewed every anniversary of September 11 as a moment to pause and reflect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pause and reflect" when you want to encourage a thoughtful consideration of a situation, decision, or experience. It is effective in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "pause and reflect" is a useful phrase, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "consider carefully" or "reflect upon" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pause and reflect" functions primarily as a call to action, urging the audience to take a moment for thoughtful consideration. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase encourages deep thinking about a situation or decision. Examples show it used in diverse contexts, from political commentary to personal reflection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pause and reflect" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that serves as a call to action, prompting thoughtful consideration and introspection. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility and widespread application, particularly in news, formal business, and academic contexts. While it is suitable for various settings, writers should avoid overuse to maintain engagement, opting for alternatives like "consider carefully" or "reflect upon" as needed. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and is frequently found in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reflect upon

Implies a deeper, more introspective consideration.

stop and think

Emphasizes the cessation of activity to engage in thought.

take a moment to contemplate

Highlights the act of deep contemplation over a specific period.

consider carefully

Focuses on the thoroughness of the consideration.

give it some thought

Suggests a more general consideration of a topic.

contemplate and deliberate

Highlights an alternative that is more formal.

ponder and assess

Emphasizes evaluation as part of the reflective process.

mull over

Suggests a casual and informal consideration.

take stock

Suggests assessing a current situation before moving forward.

chew on it

This alternative is more colloquial.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "pause and reflect" in a sentence?

Use "pause and reflect" to introduce a moment of consideration. For example, "Before making a decision, it's important to "pause and reflect" on the potential consequences."

What are some alternatives to "pause and reflect"?

You can use alternatives like "stop and think", "consider carefully", or "reflect upon" depending on the context.

Is "pause and reflect" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "pause and reflect" is suitable for formal writing. According to Ludwig, it is widely used in news, formal business, and academic contexts, making it a versatile choice.

What is the difference between "pause and reflect" and "stop and think"?

While both phrases encourage consideration, ""pause and reflect"" often implies a deeper, more introspective consideration than "stop and think", which can suggest a more immediate response.