reflects on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reflects on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is thinking deeply or considering something carefully, often in a reflective or contemplative manner. Example: "She often reflects on her experiences during her travels, gaining new insights about herself and the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It reflects on them.

The New York Times

He reflects on life.

The New York Times - Books

Preston reflects on etymologies.

The New Yorker

Writer reflects on his unhappy marriage.

The New Yorker

Writer reflects on the election just past.

The New Yorker

Diana Athill reflects on an illustrious career.

The New Yorker

But Watson reflects on nothing.

The New York Times - Books

Lawrence Schiller reflects on her relationship with Norman Mailer.

The New Yorker

Here he reflects on his Guardian career.

The Guardian

Neither statement reflects on Darwin's greatness.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Part of that complexity reflects on-site constraints.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reflects on" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration or contemplation about a past event, idea, or experience. It often implies a personal and introspective process.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "reflects on" with reflexive pronouns. "He reflects on himself" is grammatically awkward; instead, use "He reflects on his experiences" or "He reflects on what he has learned".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "reflects on" functions primarily to describe the act of engaging in deep thought or contemplation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this can be related to life experiences, etymologies, or even the impact of something on a particular situation. The examples show its use in various contexts, emphasizing thoughtful consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reflects on" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the act of thinking deeply or contemplating something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media, but also in science and business contexts, suggesting its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with a sense of thoughtful consideration rather than a simple comment or observation. Consider alternatives like "contemplates" or "ponders" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considers carefully

Highlights the thoroughness of the consideration.

contemplates

Implies a formal and serious reflection.

thinks deeply about

Emphasizes the depth of thought.

ponders over

Suggests a deeper, more thoughtful consideration of a topic.

meditates on

Indicates a more spiritual or introspective reflection.

bears upon

Indicates that something has an impact or influence.

has a bearing on

Similar to "bears upon", indicating relevance or influence.

has implications for

Focuses on the potential consequences or effects.

is indicative of

Suggests that something serves as a sign or symptom.

casts light on

Suggests that something helps to clarify or explain.

FAQs

How can I use "reflects on" in a sentence?

You can use "reflects on" to describe someone thinking deeply about something. For example, "The author "reflects on his childhood" in the novel's opening chapter".

What are some alternatives to "reflects on"?

Alternatives include "contemplates", "ponders", or "considers carefully" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "reflects about" instead of "reflects on"?

While "reflects about" might be understood, "reflects on" is the more standard and grammatically accepted phrasal verb. It's generally better to use "reflects on" for clarity and adherence to conventional usage.

What's the difference between "reflects on" and "comments on"?

"Reflects on" implies deeper thought and consideration, often about personal experiences or ideas. "Comments on", on the other hand, suggests a more immediate and often public reaction or opinion about something.