private reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "private reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing personal thoughts or contemplations that are not shared with others. Example: "After a long day, I took some time for private reflection to process my thoughts and feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Writer evokes moments of private reflection by describing: Wagon-Midsummer.

The New Yorker

So she decided to open her home for private reflection.

The New York Times

Teachers were provided opportunities to learn through both private reflection and public inquiry about their teaching and children's learning.

Teaching and Teacher Education

After that, she gives up her job and spends a year in study, prayer and private reflection.

The New York Times

Private reflection may be forced to yield to the studied stoicism familiar to bus and subway riders accustomed to close quarters with strangers.

The New York Times

There was public argument and public polemic; and as for private reflection, did Plato not declare that thought is the soul bickering with itself?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

There could also be less emphasis on formal and official group Bible study and more emphasis on private, individual reflections on the text.

Huffington Post

Virtually all the paintings in the Metropolitan's exhibition represent private reflections on the public world.

The New York Times - Arts

But then the novel includes the solitary actions and private reflections of other characters too.

The Guardian - Books

But if we insist on having our public debates (and private reflections) in terms of a religious-secular divide, we'll keep missing the forest for the trees.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ten years later, in a changed world, there remains a need to gather together to contemplate on the the tragedy that still looms large in our national memory.. Inspired by the memory walls of New York and by the blog PostSecret, we wanted to create a tribute that blends traditional storytelling and digital presentation through the sharing of your private reflections on Sept. 11.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "private reflection" to denote dedicated time for introspection, especially when setting goals or processing significant events.

Common error

Avoid using "private reflection" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. More precise language, such as "critical self-assessment" or "introspective analysis", may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "private reflection" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. It describes the act of engaging in personal and internal contemplation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "private reflection" refers to the act of personal, internal contemplation and is considered grammatically correct and usable according to Ludwig. Predominantly appearing in News & Media, Science, and Academia contexts, the phrase serves to describe a deliberate process of internalizing experiences and feelings for clarity and understanding. While suitable for most contexts, alternatives like "personal contemplation" or "self-reflection" may be more precise in certain academic or formal settings. Remember to use "private reflection" to signify dedicated time for introspection and avoid overusing it in contexts requiring highly technical language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

private contemplation

Replaces "reflection" with "contemplation", keeping the meaning virtually identical.

self-reflection

Focuses on the self as the object of reflection.

personal contemplation

Focuses more on the act of contemplating rather than the reflective aspect.

inner reflection

Highlights the internal aspect of reflection.

introspective thought

Emphasizes the inward-looking nature of the thinking process.

personal introspection

Similar to "private reflection" but underscores a deeper self-examination.

solitary musing

Highlights the act of quietly thinking, often in a detached or dreamy manner.

quiet contemplation

Emphasizes the peaceful and undisturbed nature of the reflective process.

personal rumination

Implies a more prolonged and perhaps troubled form of reflective thought.

private meditation

Suggests a more structured and spiritual form of introspection.

FAQs

How can I use "private reflection" in a sentence?

You can use "private reflection" to describe a period dedicated to personal thought and contemplation. For example, "After the project ended, I needed some time for "private reflection" to assess what I had learned".

What are some alternatives to "private reflection"?

Alternatives include "personal contemplation", "introspective thought", or "self-reflection" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "private reflection" formal or informal?

"Private reflection" is suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts, but may be too informal for highly academic or technical writing. Consider using terms like "introspective analysis" in those cases.

What's the difference between "private reflection" and "public discourse"?

"Private reflection" refers to internal thought processes, while "public discourse" refers to discussions and debates in a public forum. One is internal and personal, the other is external and communal.