reflect on that for a second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reflect on that for a second" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to take a moment to think about a particular idea or situation. Example: "Before we make a decision, let's reflect on that for a second to consider all possible outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

should reflect on that photo.

The New York Times

Now, reflect on this for a moment.

Harvard Business Review

I would love to see men release their over-tugged forelocks for a second and reflect on how widespread a problem this is.

Vice

"We could have had a world champion," he said, reflecting on the incident for the first time.

The Guardian - Sport

The discussants were asked to reflect on possible reasons for her state without first mentioning IPV.

BMC Women's Health

Second, we describe some alternative designs for mobile, participatory environmental sensing and reflect on their potentials for correcting power inequalities or achieving environmental justice.

Geoforum

Reflect for a second on what this means: In this imagined future, we would all know with certainty that iOS could be breached.

TechCrunch

Who as Secretary of State made it possible for transgender Americans to have their true gender reflected on their passports for the very first time".

Huffington Post

APARC's Don Emmerson reflects on what the fifth national election means for the twenty year old democracy.

Stanford University

Southeast Asia Program Director Don Emmerson reflects on what the fifth national election means for the twenty year old democracy.

Stanford University

Jazzie stops jabbing his fellow actors with clippers for a second to reflect on what they've already achieved.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "reflect on that for a second" to encourage a brief but thoughtful consideration of a point, especially when introducing a counterargument or a complex idea.

Common error

While useful for emphasis, overuse of "reflect on that for a second" in rapid back-and-forth dialogue can make characters sound unnatural and stilted. Opt for more natural pauses or direct questions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reflect on that for a second" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to briefly contemplate a specific idea or situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is used to prompt a moment of consideration. It is often used to encourage thoughtful attention to a particular point.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reflect on that for a second" is a grammatically sound phrase used to encourage a brief pause for consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not very common, its appearance across various reputable sources—including news outlets, academic papers, and science-related content—underscores its versatility. The phrase functions primarily to prompt thought, fitting into neutral to informal registers. Use it wisely to guide your audience towards thoughtful engagement with your ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Consider that for a moment

Emphasizes consideration but is slightly less conversational.

Take a moment to reflect on that

More formal and emphasizes introspection.

Pause and think about that

Simpler and more direct, suitable for informal contexts.

Give that some thought

A request for consideration, less immediate than the original.

Ponder that for a while

Implies deeper contemplation over a longer period.

Meditate on that briefly

Suggests a brief period of focused thought.

Contemplate that for a second

More formal and academic.

Mull that over briefly

Informal and suggests a more internal process of consideration.

Think that through carefully

Focuses on thoroughness of thought.

Let that sink in for a moment

Suggests allowing an idea to fully register.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "reflect on that for a second"?

It's appropriate to use "reflect on that for a second" when you want someone to briefly consider a specific point or idea before moving forward. It is often used to introduce a new perspective or a complex issue.

What are some alternatives to saying "reflect on that for a second"?

You can use alternatives like "consider that for a moment", "take a moment to reflect on that", or "pause and think about that" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "reflect on that for a second" grammatically correct?

Yes, "reflect on that for a second" is grammatically correct. It uses the verb "reflect" in its imperative form, followed by the preposition "on", the pronoun "that", and the duration "for a second" to prompt brief contemplation.

How does the phrase "reflect on that for a second" differ from "think about that carefully"?

"Reflect on that for a second" implies a brief pause for introspection, while "think about that carefully" suggests a more thorough and deliberate consideration. The former is quicker and often used to introduce a point, whereas the latter calls for deeper analysis.