reflecting on

USAGE SUMMARY

"reflecting on" is a perfectly fine and usable phrase in written English.
You might use it when you are thinking about something, such as a particular event or experience. For example, you could write "I spent the evening reflecting on all of the changes I have gone through this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is he not, after all, reflecting on reflection?

The New York Times

Reflecting on his homeland, he sighed.

The New Yorker

"Reflecting on our cameo," the post read.

The New York Times

Still, the announcement is worth reflecting on.

The New York Times

Was it difficult reflecting on those?

Independent

Conservatives reflecting on their own weaknesses?

The New York Times

Bandt is reflecting on Gillard's exit.

The Guardian

Sometimes he cried, reflecting on the past.

The New York Times

Reflecting on the highlights of my life.

Independent

Sunday night, reflecting on his family life.

The New Yorker

Reflecting on MoMA.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reflecting on" to introduce a moment of introspection or analysis, especially when looking back at past events or experiences. It adds a layer of thoughtfulness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "reflecting on" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "thinking about" or "considering" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reflecting on" functions as a present participial prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or noun, indicating an action of thoughtful consideration. Ludwig examples show it introducing reflections on events, memories, and personal progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reflecting on" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce thoughtful consideration of past events. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used across various source types, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While generally appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, it should be used judiciously in very informal settings. When writing, remember to consider the degree of thoughtfulness you wish to convey; simpler alternatives like "thinking about" may be more suitable for casual contexts. The Ludwig examples showcase its effectiveness in setting a contemplative tone in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thinking about

Focuses on the act of thought, without necessarily implying a deeper contemplation.

pondering over

Suggests a more deliberate and thoughtful consideration.

contemplating

Implies a deep and sustained period of reflection.

considering

Emphasizes a careful evaluation of different aspects.

mulling over

Suggests a slow and gradual process of thinking.

deliberating on

Implies a formal and structured consideration.

reviewing

Focuses on looking back at something already known.

assessing

Emphasizes evaluation and judgment.

meditating on

Suggests a spiritual or deeply personal form of reflection.

giving thought to

Highlights the act of dedicating mental energy to a topic.

FAQs

How to use "reflecting on" in a sentence?

You can use "reflecting on" to introduce a thought or memory, as in "Reflecting on the past year, I realize how much I've grown."

What can I say instead of "reflecting on"?

You can use alternatives like "thinking about", "pondering over", or "contemplating" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "reflecting on"?

"Reflecting on" is appropriate when you want to convey a sense of deep thought or consideration about a past event or experience. It's suitable for formal writing and thoughtful conversations.

What's the difference between "reflecting on" and "thinking about"?

"Reflecting on" implies a deeper, more considered thought process than "thinking about". While "thinking about" can be casual, "reflecting on" suggests a more thorough examination.