reflection upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reflection upon" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a thoughtful consideration of a topic or idea. For example: "He had a lot of time for reflection upon his life choices during his time in isolation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Write a reflection upon viewing this list.

The New York Times

Which leads to the fourth reflection upon this report.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a reflection upon his own understanding.

The Guardian - Books

"It's not a reflection upon them, it's the nature of the part-time worker.

The New York Times

This exhibition is a collective reflection upon the dark complications of the human mechanism.

Independent

They explain that it was intended to be "an ironic reflection upon his perceived position within today's art world".

The Guardian - Arts

Celebrating them is not only a right; it is an important act of reflection upon our selves as valuable people.

The New York Times

But in addition to providing some clean summer fun, the movie offers an opportunity for serious reflection upon this most bizarre human cultural ritual.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Thoughtful reflection upon Eskenazi's 41-year career at the newspaper, the sports luminaries he covered and the changing nature of sports journalism.

The New York Times - Books

What we have is a moment of pause, of reflection upon times past and several contradictory versions of what really transpired before the onscreen narrative commenced.

The Guardian

Perhaps less a reflection upon the operating systems than upon the manufacturers who insist on having as many non-standard, proprietary interfaces to their products as possible?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reflection upon" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration, especially in academic or formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "reflection upon" in informal contexts where simpler phrases like "thinking about" or "considering" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reflection upon" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to introduce a noun or pronoun that represents the object of contemplation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reflection upon" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to denote thoughtful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms this. While acceptable, it carries a slightly more formal tone than alternatives like "reflection on" or "thinking about". Its usage is prevalent in academic, scientific, and news media contexts. Remember to reserve "reflection upon" for situations where a deliberate and thoughtful tone is desired, avoiding overuse in casual conversation. Numerous examples demonstrate its appropriate application across a spectrum of reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contemplation of

Replaces "reflection" with "contemplation" and "upon" with "of", focusing on deep thought.

meditation on

Similar to contemplation, but implies a more spiritual or introspective consideration.

consideration of

A more general term for thinking about something, suitable for less formal contexts.

thinking about

A simpler, more direct way to express consideration; less formal.

deliberation on

Suggests a careful and thorough process of thought and discussion.

analysis of

Emphasizes a structured, detailed examination of a topic.

review of

Focuses on re-examining something, often with the intent to evaluate.

scrutiny of

Implies a critical and detailed examination, often looking for flaws.

assessment of

Focuses on evaluating the value or merit of something.

examination of

A formal term for looking at something closely, often in an official capacity.

FAQs

How can I use "reflection upon" in a sentence?

You can use "reflection upon" to introduce a thought or consideration about a specific topic. For example: "Her "reflection upon" her past mistakes helped her make better decisions."

What are some alternatives to "reflection upon"?

Some alternatives include "consideration of", "contemplation of", or simply "thinking about" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "reflection on" the same as "reflection upon"?

While both are grammatically correct, "reflection on" is more common and generally preferred in modern English. "Reflection upon" can sound slightly more formal or archaic.

When is it appropriate to use "reflection upon" instead of "reflection on"?

"Reflection upon" can be used when aiming for a more formal or literary tone. However, "reflection on" is generally acceptable in most contexts and often sounds more natural.