reflect on that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reflect on that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to think deeply about a particular idea or situation. Example: "After hearing the presentation, I urge you to reflect on that and consider its implications for our future projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Miller says MPs will reflect on that.

The Guardian

I don't want to reflect on that.

The New York Times - Sports

And we have to you know reflect on that.

University of California, Berkeley

I think the charmless should reflect on that.

Independent

"He'll have to reflect on that and I'm sure the New Zealand Rugby Football Union will have to reflect on that.

The Guardian - Sport

We have reached a clear conclusion, and we don't need to reflect on that.

The Guardian

"You start to reflect on that and it makes you quite silent I must say".

The Guardian

I'll reflect on that and have a conversation with the powers that be.

The Guardian - Sport

"We know it is done predominantly for television, but we might have to reflect on that.

The Guardian

Before the president once again approves a policy of official cruelty, he should reflect on that.

The Washington Post

I beg that you reflect on that.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reflect on that" when you want someone to deeply consider the implications or consequences of a statement or situation. It's effective for encouraging thoughtful consideration rather than a quick reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "reflect on that" excessively in informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "think about it" or "consider it" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reflect on that" primarily functions as a directive, urging the listener or reader to engage in a process of thoughtful consideration. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across various contexts, from political debates to personal reflections, all emphasizing the need for deeper thought.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reflect on that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that prompts thoughtful consideration. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate for both formal and neutral contexts, though less common in purely informal settings. The phrase is predominantly found in "News & Media", academic, and scientific sources. Alternatives such as "consider that" or "think about that" offer similar meanings, though "reflect on that" carries a slightly more formal tone. When writing, it's advisable to use the phrase to encourage deeper thinking about a topic, while avoiding overuse in casual conversation to prevent sounding pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider that

Emphasizes a more direct act of thinking about something.

contemplate that

Suggests a deeper and more prolonged reflection.

think about that

A more general and less formal way of asking someone to reflect.

ponder that

Implies a thoughtful and perhaps uncertain consideration.

meditate on that

Suggests a more spiritual or mindful reflection.

give that some thought

An idiomatic way to suggest considering something carefully.

ruminate on that

Implies a deep and often cyclical reflection.

deliberate on that

Suggests a more formal and structured consideration.

Mull that over

Similar to ponder, but with an emphasis on allowing something to develop in your mind.

chew on that

An informal way to suggest considering something.

FAQs

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

You can use "reflect on that" to encourage thoughtful consideration of a topic. For example, "After the meeting, please "reflect on that" data and come prepared with your insights."

What are some alternatives to "reflect on that"?

Alternatives include "consider that", "think about that", or "ponder that", depending on the desired level of formality and depth of thought.

Is "reflect on that" formal or informal?

"Reflect on that" carries a tone of thoughtful consideration, making it suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig. It's less common in extremely informal settings.

What does it mean to "reflect on that"?

To "reflect on that" means to think deeply and carefully about something, often to understand its implications or significance. It encourages a level of contemplation beyond a superficial thought.