upon reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

"upon reflection" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically means to examine something carefully or to reconsider something after considering information or evidence. Example sentence: Upon reflection, I realized that my initial opinion was incorrect.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The electron group velocity is fully reversed upon reflection, causing electrons to be retro-reflected.

Nature

Upon reflection, these results should feel familiar.

Harvard Business Review

"Upon reflection, though, it is not surprising.

The Washington Post

"Upon reflection, it's an obvious idea.

The New York Times - Arts

I think, upon reflection, it spoke well of The Times.

The New York Times

More than 950?" But upon reflection, he was not.

The New York Times - Sports

Upon reflection, I have to agree with his version.

The New York Times

But upon reflection, that sentiment is actually true.

The New York Times

Upon reflection, a desire for recognition seems irrational.

The New York Times

"Upon reflection we appreciate this may be a little misleading.

Independent

Outsmart your smartphone by disabling apps that, upon reflection, do more harm than good.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon reflection" to introduce a thought that has developed or changed after some time and consideration. It adds a tone of thoughtfulness and deliberation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "upon reflection" when describing immediate reactions or thoughts. This phrase is best suited for situations where there has been a period of contemplation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon reflection" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by indicating when or under what circumstances the action or state of the clause becomes evident. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces a thought that has been reconsidered. It provides context by signaling a change in perspective after contemplation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science & Research

16%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Upon reflection" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to introduce a thought or realization that comes after careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and proper usage. It functions as an adverbial phrase, signaling a change in perspective. While versatile, it's best used when describing considered thoughts rather than immediate reactions. Alternatives include "in retrospect" or "on second thought". The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in retrospect

Focuses on looking back at a past event with new understanding.

on second thought

Indicates a change of mind after further consideration.

after reconsideration

Directly implies a process of rethinking something.

with hindsight

Emphasizes the advantage of knowing something after it has happened.

in hindsight

Similar to "with hindsight" but slightly less formal.

after further thought

Emphasizes the additional consideration given.

looking back

A general term for reviewing past events.

thinking it over

Highlights the process of contemplation.

assessing the situation

Focuses on evaluating the circumstances.

reevaluating my position

Implies a formal reconsideration of one's stance.

FAQs

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

Use "upon reflection" to introduce a revised thought or understanding after a period of consideration. For example, "Upon reflection, I realized my initial assessment was incorrect."

What are some alternatives to saying "upon reflection"?

You can use alternatives such as "in retrospect", "on second thought", or "after reconsideration" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more formal to say "upon reflection" or "on second thought"?

"Upon reflection" tends to be more formal than "on second thought". "On second thought" is often used in more casual conversation.

What's the difference between "upon reflection" and "with hindsight"?

"Upon reflection" implies a deliberate process of thinking, while "with hindsight" suggests understanding something after it has already occurred. You reflect during or after a situation; you have hindsight after a situation.