a sort of reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sort of reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that resembles or is similar to a reflection, often in a metaphorical or abstract sense. Example: "The painting serves as a sort of reflection of the artist's inner turmoil and struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Here, she explained one of her latest pieces, "Moon Mirror .This is a sort of reflection tower.

The Economist

(2004) — as well as "Femmes au Miroir" (2009), a sort of reflection on reflections using clips of actresses observing themselves in mirrors.

The New York Times

There is, Merleau-Ponty says, a sort of reflection that the body effects on itself.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

What the authors actually say is that the ICU team in their hospital violates professional ethical guidelines protecting a vulnerable population, without any sort of reflection or policy endorsement.

Critical Care

Mr Brooks has built a sparkling career on having no such shyness.Absent from Mr Brooks's column is any sort of reflection on the costs of prohibition.

The Economist

But, still, it's not like it even shows any sort of reflection.

Huffington Post

The cool and important thing is that there is all sort of reflection effects going on depending on which panels is lit up.

Vice

Yahoo's home page has long been a sort of sad reflection of the company.

The New York Times

That was when I realized that a nigger is not a person so much as a form of behavior; a sort of obverse reflection of the white people he lives among.

The New Yorker

The new "Shirkers" offers copious samples of the film that was shot in 1992, and it's gloriously, gleefully idiosyncratic, a blend of punk energy and local documentation, a sort of antic reflection of Tan's and her friends' extremes of imagination and their sentimental attachment to their families, their friends, and their city.

The New Yorker

This altered transmission (really a sort of distorted reflection) can be picked up by a phone or laptop just like any other data over Wi-Fi.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sort of reflection" when you want to describe something that isn't a direct or literal reflection, but rather a resemblance or echo of one. This is particularly effective in metaphorical or abstract contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a sort of reflection" when you actually mean a literal, clear reflection. The phrase implies an approximation or indirect resemblance, so ensure the context warrants this nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sort of reflection" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something possesses qualities resembling a reflection, but not necessarily a direct or literal one. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe something that resembles or is similar to a reflection, often in a metaphorical or abstract sense.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sort of reflection" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey that something resembles a reflection in an indirect or metaphorical way. As Ludwig AI notes, it's valuable for creating comparisons that are suggestive rather than literal. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in credible sources like The New York Times and The Economist, lending it a degree of authority. When writing, reserve "a sort of reflection" for contexts where you intend to imply an imperfect or abstract mirroring effect, differentiating it from direct or literal reflections. Alternative phrases include "a type of mirroring" or "a semblance of reflection", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a type of mirroring

Replaces "sort" with "type" and "reflection" with "mirroring", focusing on the mirroring aspect.

a form of mirroring

Substitutes "sort" with "form", indicating a specific manifestation of mirroring.

a semblance of reflection

Uses "semblance" to suggest an apparent or superficial resemblance to a reflection.

a shadow of reflection

Implies a faint or incomplete resemblance to a reflection.

an echo of mirroring

Shifts the metaphor from visual to auditory, suggesting a faint or indirect representation.

a vague mirroring

Highlights the lack of clarity or definition in the reflection.

a distant echo

Emphasizes the indirect or remote nature of the reflection.

a faint trace of mirroring

Indicates a minimal or barely perceptible reflection.

an indirect response

Replaces "reflection" with "response", conveying a mediated or secondary reaction.

a distorted mirroring

Highlights the altered or imperfect nature of the mirroring.

FAQs

How can "a sort of reflection" be used metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "a sort of reflection" can describe something that mirrors or represents something else in an indirect or incomplete way. For example, a character's actions might be “"a sort of reflection"” of their inner thoughts.

What's a good alternative to "a sort of reflection" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "a semblance of reflection" or "an approximation of mirroring" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Is "a sort of reflection" appropriate for scientific writing?

While "a sort of reflection" can be used in scientific writing, ensure it's clear that you're not referring to a literal reflection. Terms like "an indirect representation" might be more precise.

How does "a sort of reflection" differ from "a direct reflection"?

"A direct reflection" implies an exact mirroring, while ""a sort of reflection"" suggests something that is similar to, but not precisely, a reflection. It indicates a less literal or more abstract relationship.