a reflection of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reflection of" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means to represent or display something. For example, "The mirror was a reflection of her own beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a reflection of my mood".

The New York Times

"Everything is a reflection of that".

The New York Times - Travel

Language is a reflection of culture.

The New York Times

Design is a reflection of identity.

The New York Times

This institution is a reflection of society.

The New York Times

This is a reflection of the story.

The New York Times

"It is a reflection of existing problems".

The New York Times

"The company is a reflection of that".

The New York Times

Again, a reflection of life.

The New York Times - Tech

"It's a reflection of life.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a reflection of their curiosity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a reflection of" to subtly imply a relationship or correspondence between two things, rather than stating it directly.

Common error

Avoid using "a reflection of" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more direct and precise language to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reflection of" functions as a linking expression, connecting a subject to its representation or consequence. It indicates that one thing mirrors or is indicative of another. Ludwig's examples show it used to link abstract concepts to their tangible manifestations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reflection of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that one thing mirrors or represents another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. It serves to draw parallels and offer insight by connecting related elements. While suitable for various contexts, writers should be mindful of overuse, especially in formal settings, opting for more direct language when appropriate. Related phrases like "an indication of" or "a representation of" can provide alternative phrasing to enhance clarity and stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a representation of

Highlights the act of portraying or depicting something in a specific way.

a sign of

Focuses on the idea of something being an omen or predictor of something else.

an indication of

Focuses on suggesting something is happening or is true without stating it directly.

an expression of

Highlights the communication or representation of feelings or thoughts.

a demonstration of

Implies showing something clearly and overtly.

a symbol of

Suggests something represents a broader concept or idea.

a manifestation of

Emphasizes the appearance or embodiment of something abstract or hidden.

an echo of

Implies a faint or indirect reminder of something else.

a consequence of

Focuses on the outcome or result of something else.

a response to

Highlights the reaction or answer to something else.

FAQs

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

Use "a reflection of" to show how something represents or mirrors something else, for example: "The increase in crime is "a reflection of" wider social issues".

What are some alternatives to using "a reflection of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "an indication of", "a representation of", or "a sign of".

Is it correct to say "the reflection of" instead of "a reflection of"?

While both are grammatically correct, "the reflection of" typically refers to a literal reflection (like in a mirror), whereas ""a reflection of"" is used more figuratively.

How does ""a reflection of"" differ from "the result of"?

"A reflection of" suggests mirroring or representation, while "the result of" indicates a direct causal relationship. For instance, poverty might be ""a reflection of"" systemic inequality but the broken window is "the result of" the baseball hitting it.