upon closer reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon closer reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you have thought more deeply about a situation or decision. Example: "Upon closer reflection, I realized that my initial judgment was hasty and unfounded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

What might appear from a distance to be a single type of wing turns out upon closer reflection to be several types, each reflecting disparate origins and contrasting ontogenetic/phylogenetic pathways as much as or more than ultimate end points.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

But upon closer reflection, the authors of this article discuss the ways in which accountability was built into the program.

International Journal of Educational Research

Upon closer reflection, it makes little sense.

Huffington Post

But upon closer reflection, I realized the ancient adage was conveying a profound message.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But this theory crumbles upon closer inspection.

The New Yorker

But the similarities vanish upon closer inspection.

The New York Times

Upon closer examination, I soured on CSC and TTEC.

Forbes

Upon closer inspection, several differences become apparent.

Current Biology

We are seeing closed upon closed storefronts.

Huffington Post

Upon closing, the bag is automatically sealed.

Bplans

(Actually, upon reflection, the closest Fox has gotten to general-interest who-is-this-guy-you've-gotta-know profiles is Greg Gutfeld. That's an apple falling far from any tree, but you get the picture).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon closer reflection" to introduce a revised perspective or conclusion after careful consideration. It adds a tone of thoughtfulness and considered judgment to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "upon closer reflection" in very casual or informal contexts. It can sound overly formal or pretentious when a simpler phrase like "thinking about it more" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon closer reflection" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a statement or conclusion reached after careful and thoughtful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon closer reflection" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a revised or more nuanced understanding after careful thought. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase adds a tone of thoughtfulness to writing. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in very casual settings. Consider alternatives like "after further consideration" for similar meanings with slight variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after reconsideration

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the act of reconsidering something.

upon re-evaluation

This is a more formal and structured way of saying 'after thinking about it again'.

after further consideration

This phrase suggests a more formal and deliberate reconsideration of a topic.

after deeper thought

Highlights a more profound level of thinking and contemplation.

on re-examining the matter

Suggests a formal review or investigation of a specific issue.

on second thought

This is a more informal way of indicating a change of mind after some consideration.

having given it more thought

Emphasizes the process of thinking more about something over time.

on closer inspection

Focuses on a more detailed examination rather than general reflection.

in retrospect

This implies looking back at a past event and evaluating it with new knowledge.

with hindsight

Similar to 'in retrospect', this refers to understanding something after it has happened.

FAQs

What does "upon closer reflection" mean?

The phrase "upon closer reflection" means after thinking about something more carefully or deeply. It indicates a revised or more nuanced understanding.

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

You can use it to introduce a new insight or conclusion reached after careful thought. For example, "Upon closer reflection, I realized that my initial assessment was incorrect".

What are some alternatives to "upon closer reflection"?

Some alternatives include "after further consideration", "on second thought", or "in retrospect".

Is "upon closer reflection" formal or informal?

"Upon closer reflection" leans towards a more formal register. In casual conversation, phrases like "thinking about it more" might be more appropriate.