# mull over

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mull-over
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to think about something carefully for a long time before you make a decision.

For teachers: to consider a matter deeply or at length. The verb is transitive and typically implies a period of reflection or deliberation before reaching a conclusion.

## Examples

- I need to mull over your offer before I say yes.
- After the meeting, the manager spent the weekend mulling over the different proposals for the new project.
- The committee spent several weeks mulling over the ethical implications of the new policy before issuing their final report.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I need to mull over about the decision." but "I need to mull over the decision." — the phrasal verb is transitive and takes the object directly without an extra preposition like 'about'.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun or a clause starting with a question word like 'whether'.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'think about' and 'ponder'; 'mull over' suggests a slow process of weighing options in one's mind.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.