to reflect upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"to reflect upon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to think deeply about a subject or consider it carefully. For example, "Before we make a decision, let's take some time to reflect upon the consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is something for the companies to reflect upon".

The Guardian - Business

So it gives you time to reflect upon that.

The New York Times

You need to reflect upon the medium itself.

The New York Times

"I'm not saying we've always got everything right but we've a lot to reflect upon positively.

The Guardian - Sport

Otherwise, there were only sporadic moments for City to reflect upon with any kind of satisfaction.

The Guardian - Sport

His Holiness's stream is full of profound thoughts for coaches to reflect upon.

The Guardian - Money

Students should be encouraged to reflect upon the Red Lake High School shooting.

The New York Times

The writer is moved to reflect upon the connection of one generation to another.

The New Yorker

We hope they can take time to reflect upon the coroner's verdict.

The Guardian

Perhaps there are two messages to reflect upon this anniversary of the National Apology.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is much to talk about and much to reflect upon, well beyond the players.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to reflect upon" when you want to emphasize a deeper, more thoughtful consideration of a topic, rather than a quick decision.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "to reflect upon" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to think about" or "to consider" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

To reflect upon functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to express purpose or reason. It indicates a deliberate and thoughtful consideration of a subject, as seen in Ludwig examples, aligning with its function to add depth to the verb it modifies. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to reflect upon" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that denotes a thoughtful and often retrospective consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Although versatile, it leans towards formal contexts, where its deliberate tone is most effective. While "to reflect on" is a more common alternative, "to reflect upon" adds a nuanced layer of formality. Remember to consider the audience and context when choosing between alternatives like "to consider", "to contemplate", and "to ponder" to ensure the most fitting expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to contemplate

This is a more formal and often deeper consideration of a topic.

to ponder

This suggests a more thoughtful and deliberate consideration.

to consider

This is a more general term for thinking about something.

to meditate on

Implies a more spiritual or introspective consideration.

to deliberate about

This suggests careful and lengthy consideration, often before making a decision.

to mull over

This implies a slow and thoughtful consideration over a period of time.

to ruminate on

Suggests a deep and prolonged thought process, sometimes bordering on worry.

to think over

This is a simple and direct way of saying to consider something.

to give thought to

Emphasizes the act of dedicating mental energy to a topic.

to chew over

A more informal way of saying to think about something at length.

FAQs

How can I use "to reflect upon" in a sentence?

You can use "to reflect upon" to indicate a deep and thoughtful consideration, such as: "It's important "to reflect upon" our past mistakes to avoid repeating them."

What are some alternatives to "to reflect upon"?

Alternatives include: "to consider", "to contemplate", "to ponder", or "to think about". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "to reflect on" or "to reflect upon" more common?

Both "to reflect on" and "to reflect upon" are grammatically correct, but "to reflect on" is generally more common in contemporary English. However, "to reflect upon" can add a slightly more formal or deliberate tone.

What is the difference between "to reflect upon" and "to consider"?

"To consider" generally means to think about something, while "to reflect upon" suggests a more in-depth and thoughtful analysis. "To reflect upon" often implies looking back at something with the goal of learning or understanding.