reflect on oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reflect on oneself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is considering their behavior, thoughts or feelings in a thoughtful way. For example, "Whenever he feels overwhelmed by his emotions, he takes some time to reflect on himself and evaluate his situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In mindful mediation one lets go of emotional static to reflect on oneself and the ways we cause our own suffering.

Huffington Post

Micale's survey stops short of the 21st century, with the reassurance that the symptoms and preoccupations previously diagnosed as hysteria are simply among the occupational hazards of being human, and a worrisome conclusion: that "the true male malady" is what he calls the chronic inability to reflect on oneself — without heroics, evasion or self-deception.

The New York Times - Style

Bojack Horseman tells us that to reflect on the artifice within a family sitcom or a quiz show or a memoir is a way to reflect on oneself.

Vice

The way has helped participants to empty themselves and to reflect on oneself: "The physical and medical aspect of the walk has not been the most important after all.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Research links the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) with a number of social cognitive processes that involve reflecting on oneself and other people.

Cerebral Cortex

The claim that a work of art "says something to someone" (Palmer 2001, 70) alludes to the surprise, shock and, sometimes, dismay at being directly affected by what is in a work and of being forced to reflect on its claim so that it becomes more understandable to both oneself and others.

SEP

Autonomy, it is argued, implies the ability to reflect wholly on oneself, to accept or reject one's values, connections, and self-defining features, and change such elements of one's life at will.

SEP

Reflecting on one's actions and oneself in relation to normality (the ideal BMI) demonstrates the staged guidance the game provides to the players as they undertake their journey towards self-governance and thus 'a better you'.

Critical Public Health

To make a movie would be to reflect on the history of cinema and to find oneself within it.

The New Yorker

Colleagues reflect on his character.

The Guardian

We reflect on the past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reflect on oneself" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and thoughtful process of self-examination, often with the goal of gaining insight or understanding.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "reflect on oneself" can sound overly formal or academic in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "think about yourself" or "look inward" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reflect on oneself" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of engaging in introspection. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It describes a process where an individual thoughtfully considers their own thoughts, feelings, or actions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reflect on oneself" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the act of thoughtfully considering one's own thoughts, feelings, or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it appears in a range of contexts, from news articles to scientific papers, and is often used to encourage introspection and self-awareness. Keep in mind the phrase carries a slightly formal tone. Simpler alternatives might be better suited for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introspect about oneself

Uses "introspect" as a verb to describe the action of self-examination.

engage in self-reflection

Replaces "reflect" with "engage in self-reflection", emphasizing the active nature of the process.

meditate on one's self

Implies a more spiritual and focused form of self-reflection.

examine one's own thoughts and feelings

Breaks down reflection into its components: thoughts and feelings.

analyze one's own behavior

Emphasizes a more analytical approach to self-assessment.

consider one's own actions

Focuses specifically on the evaluation of one's deeds.

contemplate one's own existence

Focuses on the philosophical aspect of considering one's being.

assess one's character

Highlights the evaluation of moral and personal qualities.

look inward

Uses a more metaphorical expression for introspection.

think deeply about who you are

Rephrases the concept in a more direct and personal way.

FAQs

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

You can use "reflect on oneself" to indicate a deep and thoughtful consideration of one's own actions, feelings, or character. For example, "It's important to take time to "reflect on oneself" after a significant life event".

What are some alternatives to "reflect on oneself"?

Alternatives to "reflect on oneself" include "engage in self-reflection", "introspect about oneself", or simply "think about yourself", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "reflect on oneself" or "reflect about oneself"?

"Reflect on oneself" is generally preferred. While "reflect about" can sometimes be used, "reflect on" is the more common and idiomatic choice when referring to self-reflection.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "reflect on oneself"?

The phrase "reflect on oneself" is appropriate in more formal contexts where you want to highlight a deliberate and thoughtful process of self-examination, rather than casual self-consideration.