ponder upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"ponder upon" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to mean spending some time thinking deeply about something. For example, "The professor asked us to ponder upon the implications of our current environmental crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A little bit of reference now - we have previously touched on the past with playlists about historical figures and events, and even ancient history, but there remains much to pick out and ponder upon with a focus on cyclical confusion and delusion.

The Guardian - Music

These are some important questions to ponder upon before you make an ultimate decision to move forward with a move-away.

HuffPost

"It's something you begin to ponder upon when you reach my age.

The Guardian

It is time to take halt, ponder upon the acquired objectives and set new goals to equip the contemporary state of art in this field with more viable and promising approaches.

Ad Hoc Networks

Nevertheless, I was enormously inspired by the place and determined to retire as soon as possible to the deep forest and live the simple life: no electricity, no running water, no television, nothing but stars and log fires and weighty books to ponder upon.

The Guardian - Travel

As usual, the best programmes are the one that blows your mind then leaves you with even more questions to ponder upon.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

She will not be aiming for this deliberately but she has clearly noted that it is something to be admired, pondered upon and looked up to.

Independent

So, as I stood among the audience awaiting Kwame's arrival I pondered upon the course that lay ahead of him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mark twisted his face into a tight knot, and with his head very much on one side pondered upon this question.

The New Yorker

Considering these differences, one must ask oneself the salient question: "Is our education system catering the need of both gender and are we giving the right emphasis?" This is a seminal point that should be pondered upon.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

And truly I have pondered upon this, until at last I have found out a way whereby we may at once win glory, and likewise get possession of a land which is as large and as rich as our own nay, which is even more varied in the fruits it bears- while at the same time we obtain satisfaction and revenge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ponder upon" when you want to emphasize a deep and thoughtful consideration of a topic. It's particularly effective in formal writing or when discussing complex subjects.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "ponder upon" can sometimes be redundant. Ensure that using "upon" adds meaningful emphasis rather than unnecessary length to your sentence. Consider whether "ponder" alone sufficiently conveys your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ponder upon" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a sustained and thoughtful consideration. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing examples where it expresses deep reflection on various subjects. The addition of "upon" enhances the intensity of the verb.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ponder upon" is a grammatically correct phrase that serves as a phrasal verb, typically employed to express deep and thoughtful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "think about", it adds a nuanced emphasis on the depth of reflection. It's best used in formal or neutral settings when you want to convey a serious and engaged approach to a topic. Be mindful of potential redundancy and consider if the "upon" truly enhances the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contemplate

Offers a more formal and philosophical alternative to "ponder".

reflect on

Replaces "ponder" with "reflect", suggesting a more introspective consideration.

consider carefully

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the thought process.

deliberate over

Suggests a more extended and careful consideration.

think about

Uses a more general term, indicating a simpler form of consideration.

meditate on

Implies a more spiritual or deeply thoughtful reflection.

give thought to

Highlights the act of directing attention and consideration.

mull over

Indicates a more casual and informal way of thinking about something.

ruminate on

Suggests a repetitive and often anxious consideration.

speculate about

Focuses on forming theories or guesses about something.

FAQs

How can I use "ponder upon" in a sentence?

You can use "ponder upon" to express deep thought or consideration about a subject. For example, "The committee needed time to "ponder upon" the ramifications of the new policy".

What is a good alternative to "ponder upon"?

Alternatives to "ponder upon" include "reflect on", "think about", or "contemplate", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "ponder upon" more formal than "think about"?

Yes, "ponder upon" is generally more formal and suggests a deeper, more philosophical level of consideration than the more common phrase "think about".

What is the difference between "ponder" and "ponder upon"?

The addition of "upon" to "ponder" intensifies the act of reflection, emphasizing a deeper or more sustained engagement with the subject at hand. While "ponder" alone is sufficient, "ponder upon" adds a subtle nuance of depth and gravity.