reflecting on what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reflecting on what" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing thoughts or considerations about a specific topic or situation. Example: "Reflecting on what we discussed in the meeting, I believe we need to adjust our strategy moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Q: You capture these powerful moments of soldiers reflecting on what they did in war.

Forbes

Studies show reflecting on what you're thankful for can make you a happier, more positive person.

Huffington Post

It's been a crazy emotional time for me, just reflecting on what an unforgettable, life-changing year this has been.

Huffington Post

Perfect for reflecting on what wonderful sex you had.

The Guardian

I have been reflecting on what he had in common with another teacher and thinker.

Independent

Reflecting on what happened, Don Sr. said: "We wanted Donnie to go forward.

The New York Times

I don't want to become that person reflecting on what has been done.

Independent

"But we're not interested in reflecting on what happened three years ago.

The New York Times - Sports

The governor and first lady spent most of the day alone, reflecting on what to do.

The Washington Post

With Unbroken looking US-centric, it's worth reflecting on what Jolie has achieved there.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

She's reflecting on what has been a long, strange couple of years and thinking about the future.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reflecting on what" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration or contemplation about a specific subject or situation. It's particularly effective when discussing past events or experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "reflecting on what" when a simple statement of fact or observation is sufficient. Overusing reflective language can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious. For example, instead of "reflecting on what the data shows", simply state "the data shows".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reflecting on what" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a prepositional complement. It indicates a process of thoughtful consideration or contemplation. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reflecting on what" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. According to Ludwig AI, it's useful for introducing thoughtful considerations derived from past events. It is prevalent in News & Media, Scientific and Academic contexts and its usage is appropriate in neutral to professional registers. When writing, prioritize directness to avoid unnecessary verbosity and remember that you can replace "reflecting on what" with phrases like "thinking about what" or "considering what" to add variety to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thinking about what

Focuses more on the act of thinking rather than a deeper contemplation.

considering what

Implies a more formal and deliberate evaluation.

contemplating what

Suggests a more prolonged and thoughtful reflection.

pondering what

Indicates a deep and often uncertain consideration.

assessing what

Highlights the evaluation aspect of the reflection.

reviewing what

Emphasizes looking back and examining past events.

analyzing what

Focuses on breaking down a subject into its components for closer examination.

evaluating what

Centers on judging the value or worth of something.

deliberating on what

Suggests a careful and lengthy consideration.

meditating on what

Implies a more spiritual and inward-focused reflection.

FAQs

What does "reflecting on what" mean?

It means thinking seriously and deeply about something, often with the intention of understanding it better or drawing lessons from it. It implies a deliberate process of contemplation.

How can I use "reflecting on what" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a thought or consideration based on past experiences or observations. For example: "Reflecting on what happened, I realized I could have handled the situation differently."

What can I say instead of "reflecting on what"?

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

Is "reflecting on what" formal or informal?

It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in writing than in casual conversation. The level of formality depends more on the overall tone and vocabulary of your writing.