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Grammar fix

mull over

consider carefully (especially before making a decision)

To think about something deeply and for some time, especially when you need to make an important decision.

phrasal verbC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • She needed a few days to mull over the university's offer before making her final decision.work
  • If I were offered a position abroad, I would definitely mull over the opportunity rather than accepting it immediately, because such a decision could impact my whole life.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: mull over + noun/pronoun

WrongI need to mull about it.

RightI need to mull it over.

'Mull OVER' something (or 'mull it over') — not 'mull about'.

Patternmull over + noun/pronoun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I require additional time to deliberate upon the proposal.

Natural I need a bit more time to mull it over.

'Mull over' is the natural verb for thinking something through; 'deliberate upon' is formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • mull over + decision
    itthe offeryour optionsthings

Don't confuse it

'Mull over' is stronger and more deliberate than 'think about', and is not used for everyday, minor choices. It suggests taking your time to weigh options.

Try it in Daily Speak →