when we reflect on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when we reflect on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a thought or consideration about a particular topic or situation. Example: "When we reflect on our past experiences, we often gain valuable insights that shape our future decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

When we reflect on beautiful souls like Robin Williams and Rabbi Joel Wasser, we are reminded of life's mystery and fragility.

HuffPost

These achievements may end up on one player's résumé, but when we reflect on the happenstance and the collective effort (human and divine) it took to get there, we come to accept that they are Olympic in stature and therefore for all of us to cherish.

The New York Times

So, by consciously acknowledging the good things, says Meng, we increase our chances that when we reflect on our day, we conclude it was happy one.

BBC

Nor is it the one that we less formally undertake when we reflect on our own love stories in hopes of understanding them (often a project provoked alas by an unhappy ending).

SEP

Ship-building, railways and other forms of heavy industry carry with them a culture peculiar to each one and it is easy to become dewy-eyed when we reflect on what we have lost.

BBC

It's that time of year again when we reflect on the past 12 months and attempt to sum it up into one concise "best of" list.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

She listened with genuine interest when we reflected on our own experiences and mistakes.

Princeton University

The first significant breakthrough occurred in 2011 when we reflected on the fact that the seasonal-cyclical nature of learning 'on country' was the one constant, and indeed, the beginning discussion for virtually every Warramiri class we had taught together.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Also, when we reflected on the inclusion of an equity lens, we turned to the PRISMA-Equity 2012 Extension, 15 which identifies multiple components of equity to be addressed in the review.

BMJ Open

"When we reflect back on our short history, like any startup, there are things we should have done differently," Freeman wrote to the startup's members in an email, obtained by TechCrunch.

TechCrunch

At least in some cases, these can be tempered when we reflect explicitly on key features of cases, and our initial responses can be revised in light of these reflections, together with reflection on general principles.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when we reflect on" to introduce a thoughtful consideration of a topic, particularly when analyzing past events or experiences. This frames your statement as a product of careful thought.

Common error

Avoid using "when we reflect on" for very basic or obvious observations. Reserve it for situations that genuinely involve deeper thought or analysis. Consider simpler alternatives like "when we think about" for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when we reflect on" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing a dependent clause that expresses a condition or time related to the main clause. This phrase sets the stage for a considered thought or analysis, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when we reflect on" serves as an introduction to a thoughtful consideration or analysis, as validated by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. To avoid overuse, consider simpler alternatives for everyday observations. According to Ludwig, its function is to introduce an analysis of a topic. Related phrases include "when we consider" and "in retrospect". The phrase signals thoughtful examination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when we contemplate

Replaces "reflect" with a synonym emphasizing deep thought.

when we consider

Uses a more general term for thinking about something.

upon reflection

Formal way to start a sentence with an act of reflecting.

when we think about

Simplifies the phrase to a basic act of thinking.

as we ponder

Focuses on the act of carefully considering something.

when we look back on

Adds a temporal aspect, suggesting reflection on past events.

when we assess

Shifts the focus to evaluating something after consideration.

when we meditate on

Implies a more spiritual or contemplative reflection.

as we mull over

Indicates a casual and prolonged period of reflection.

in retrospect

Offers a concise way to indicate reflection after an event.

FAQs

How can I use "when we reflect on" in a sentence?

Use "when we reflect on" to introduce a considered thought or analysis, for example, "When we reflect on the past year, we see significant changes."

What are some alternatives to "when we reflect on"?

Alternatives include phrases like "when we consider", "when we think about", or "in retrospect", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "as we reflect on" instead of "when we reflect on"?

Yes, "as we reflect on" is a grammatically correct and semantically similar alternative to "when we reflect on". Both can introduce a reflective thought, but "as we reflect on" may imply the reflection is happening concurrently with the statement.

What's the difference between "when we reflect on" and "when we look back on"?

While both phrases involve thinking about the past, "when we reflect on" implies a deeper analytical process, whereas "when we look back on" simply suggests remembering or recalling past events.