reflect on

USAGE SUMMARY

"reflect on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a thought process, usually with the intent of examining a thought or idea in a critical manner to gain insight. For example, "I took a few moments to reflect on the situation and come up with a new plan".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's reflect on it.

The New Yorker

We reflect on the past.

The New York Times

should reflect on that photo.

The New York Times

"It doesn't reflect on me".

The New York Times

Colleagues reflect on his character.

The Guardian

And reflect on that".

The Guardian

He needs to reflect on that situation.

Independent

We'll reflect on it".

BBC

Here, both teachers reflect on lessons learned.

BBC

How do you reflect on your season?

BBC

Let's reflect on that.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reflect on" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and thoughtful consideration of a topic or event, especially when seeking deeper understanding or insight.

Common error

Avoid using "reflect on" in everyday conversation where a simpler phrase like "think about" would suffice. Overuse can make your language sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reflect on" functions as a phrasal verb, primarily used to indicate a process of thoughtful consideration or contemplation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, illustrating how the phrase encourages a deeper engagement with a subject matter, as evidenced in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

35%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reflect on" is a phrasal verb that denotes a thoughtful and deliberate consideration of something. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While grammatically sound and frequently employed, it is best suited for situations where deeper analysis and understanding are sought. Remember to avoid overuse in casual conversation to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think about

Focuses more on the act of thinking, without necessarily implying deep consideration.

give thought to

A more general way of saying to think about something.

consider

Suggests a more deliberate and analytical approach to evaluating something.

ponder

Suggests a quiet and thoughtful consideration.

contemplate

Implies a more prolonged and profound period of reflection.

meditate on

Suggests a spiritual or deeply personal form of reflection.

muse over

Suggests a more whimsical and less structured form of reflection.

deliberate on

Emphasizes the careful and thorough nature of the consideration.

review

Focuses on looking back at something to analyze or assess it.

ruminate about

Implies a deep and often anxious consideration of something.

FAQs

How can I use "reflect on" in a sentence?

You can use "reflect on" to indicate a deep and thoughtful consideration of something. For example, "I need to "think about" reflect on my mistakes and learn from them".

What is a good alternative to "reflect on"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "reflect on" could include "consider", "contemplate", or "ponder".

What is the difference between "reflect on" and "think about"?

"Reflect on" suggests a deeper and more analytical thought process than simply ""think about"". Reflecting implies a more careful consideration.

Is it appropriate to use "reflect on" in academic writing?

Yes, "reflect on" is perfectly appropriate for academic writing, especially when discussing the implications or significance of research findings or theoretical concepts. It suggests a considered and thoughtful analysis.