to mull over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to mull over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the act of thinking carefully or considering something deeply before making a decision. Example: "I need some time to mull over the proposal before I can give you my final answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Something to mull over beside the hearth.

The New York Times - Food

A question to mull over as you do your Christmas shopping.

Independent

There were also new economic statistics to mull over on Friday.

The New York Times

Whether noble or bleak, the biennial is fascinating to mull over in this context.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a nice problem to mull over on a warm September afternoon.

The New York Times - Travel

A full-bodied Condrieu that gives you plenty to mull over as it unfolds on the palate.

The New York Times - Food

But it's one that I will continue to mull over in the days before the next iPhone goes on sale.

The New York Times

Just something to mull over during the post-MacWorld haze.

TechCrunch

Those books from investing titans offer plenty of information to mull over as you contemplate your next portfolio moves.

Forbes

Sure there's that to mull over, but this really is a terrific film.

Huffington Post

All in all, it was a fucked situation to mull over in my head.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to mull over" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration and deep reflection before making a decision or forming an opinion. It suggests taking time to process information thoroughly.

Common error

While "to mull over" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in extremely informal settings where simpler alternatives like "think about" or "consider" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to mull over" is that of a phrasal verb. It functions as the verb within a sentence, describing the action of thinking deeply and thoroughly about something. Ludwig AI supports this and gives multiple examples of this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to mull over" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of thinking deeply and carefully about something. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reputable sources. Its usage is versatile, fitting well in both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives exist, "to mull over" effectively conveys a sense of thoughtful consideration. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when you wish to highlight a process of deep reflection and deliberation, and consider the audience to avoid it in overly informal situations where simpler alternatives may be better suited.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to contemplate

Emphasizes deep and prolonged thought, often of a philosophical nature.

to ponder

Implies a careful and deliberate consideration, often with an element of uncertainty.

to reflect on

Highlights looking back at something thoughtfully, often past experiences.

to deliberate

Suggests a formal and careful discussion or consideration, often in a group setting.

to consider

A general term for thinking about something carefully.

to meditate on

Implies a deep, internal reflection, often with a spiritual connotation.

to ruminate

Suggests dwelling on something repeatedly and often anxiously.

to chew over

An informal way of saying to think about something carefully.

to weigh up

Focuses on assessing the pros and cons of a decision or situation.

to give thought to

A more formal and deliberate way of saying to consider something.

FAQs

What does "to mull over" mean?

The phrase "to mull over" means to think deeply and carefully about something before making a decision or forming an opinion. It implies a period of reflection and consideration.

How can I use "to mull over" in a sentence?

You can use "to mull over" in a sentence like this: "I need some time "to mull over" the job offer before I accept it."

What can I say instead of "to mull over"?

You can use alternatives like "to contemplate", "to ponder", or "to consider" depending on the context.

Is "to mull over" formal or informal?

"To mull over" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it may sound slightly more formal than simply saying "to think about".