English Reference

Phrasal verb

chew on

Definition

phrasal verb. to think about something carefully for a while before you make a decision.

phrasal verb. To consider or ponder an idea or proposal over a period of time. Transitive and inseparable; the object is usually an abstract concept.

Examples

“I need to chew on your suggestion before I say yes.”

“The boss gave us the weekend to chew on the new project details before the final vote.”

“While the board members chewed on the financial report, the CEO prepared a secondary strategy to address their inevitable concerns regarding the budget deficit.”

Examples

simple

“I need to chew on your suggestion before I say yes.”

contextual

“The boss gave us the weekend to chew on the new project details before the final vote.”

complex

“While the board members chewed on the financial report, the CEO prepared a secondary strategy to address their inevitable concerns regarding the budget deficit.”

Usage

This phrase is usually followed by an idea, a problem, or a suggestion.

Teaching tip

Compare with 'mull over' or 'sleep on it'; 'chew on' suggests a more active, analytical process of thinking.

Pitfall

He is chewing on about the problem.

He is chewing on the problem.

The preposition 'on' is sufficient; adding 'about' is a common error caused by confusion with 'think about'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

on

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

chew + on + object

Synonyms

think aboutconsidermull overponder

Antonyms

dismissignore

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference