upon further reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

"upon further reflection" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to display a change of opinion after careful consideration or contemplation. For example, "Upon further reflection, I have decided to make a different choice".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Who knows?" Estreicher said upon further reflection.

The New York Times - Sports

Coach-speak, upon further reflection, became prophecy.

The New York Times - Sports

But then, upon further reflection, she added, "Intensely uncomfortable".

The New York Times

Upon further reflection, their philosophical status becomes even murkier.

The New York Times

Upon further reflection however, a more troubling analysis of the ruling is possible.

The Guardian

But upon further reflection, I changed my mind; I was not thinking like an Olympian.

The New York Times - Sports

"Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the president of MSNBC, I have tendered my resignation.

The Guardian

Maybe, upon further reflection, the bride and groom will decide not to invite her after all.

The New York Times

Upon further reflection Dr. Hardy said: "For sure, I'm an actor at heart.

The New York Times

Upon further reflection, he added: "They could fire me, I don't care.

The New York Times

While the reason for this might not be obvious at a first glance, it is compelling upon further reflection.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "upon further reflection", briefly explain what prompted your change in perspective. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "upon further reflection". This can make your writing sound repetitive and formulaic. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon further reflection" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically introduces a clause expressing a change in opinion or realization. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon further reflection" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to introduce a revised thought or opinion after careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While it's most common in neutral to formal contexts like news, academia, and business, it can also appear in less formal settings. To use it effectively, ensure it genuinely reflects a shift in your thinking and provides context for the change. Be mindful of overusing the phrase to avoid repetition. Alternatives like "on second thought" or "in retrospect" can offer a more concise or nuanced approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on second thought

This alternative is more concise and informal.

after reconsideration

This alternative uses a more formal and direct substitute for reflection.

in retrospect

This alternative focuses specifically on looking back at a past event or decision.

having thought it over

This alternative uses a more conversational tone.

on closer inspection

This alternative implies a more detailed examination of something.

after careful consideration

This alternative emphasizes the thoroughness of the thought process.

with more thought

This option uses simple synonyms and highlights the element of deeper thinking.

on deeper consideration

This version stresses the depth of the thought process.

after pondering

This alternative suggests a more contemplative and thoughtful approach.

in light of new insights

This alternative implies that new information influenced the change in thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "upon further reflection" to introduce a revised opinion or decision. For example, "I initially thought this was the best approach, but "upon further reflection", I realized a different strategy would be more effective."

What are some alternatives to "upon further reflection"?

Alternatives include "on second thought", "after reconsideration", or "in retrospect". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "upon further reflection" or "after thinking about it"?

"Upon further reflection" is generally more formal than "after thinking about it". Use "upon further reflection" in academic or professional writing and "after thinking about it" in informal contexts.

What does "upon further reflection" imply about the speaker's thought process?

It implies that the speaker has engaged in careful and deliberate consideration, leading to a revised or more nuanced understanding of the topic. It suggests a willingness to reconsider initial assumptions and adapt one's perspective.