at my reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at my reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a moment of self-examination or contemplation while looking at oneself in a mirror or reflective surface. Example: "As I stood there, lost in thought, I couldn't help but ponder the changes I saw at my reflection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Now I pause to look at my reflection in mirrors, car windows, elevator walls and pretty much any reflective surface, trying to convince myself that others' assurances of my normalcy are sincere.

The New York Times

I looked at my reflection, and I made a decision.

The New York Times

I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

The New Yorker

"I've never looked this good in my life," I said, stupefied at my reflection.

The New York Times

"Gross," I said under my breath, and made a face at my reflection.

The New York Times

The boys are downstairs watching TV and I'm up in the bathroom, looking at my reflection.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It was a familiar expression: like looking at my own reflection when my first child was a newborn, and again after the birth of my second.

Huffington Post

"Dammit!" I snarled miserably at my ideal reflection.

The New York Times

I never look at my whole reflection, either.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm not looking at my own reflection doing this — I'm actually doing it".

The New Yorker

I'm not looking at my own reflection doing this—I'm actually doing it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at my reflection" to describe a specific moment of observing yourself in a reflective surface, such as a mirror, window, or water. This conveys a sense of self-awareness and can add depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid confusing "at my reflection" with similar phrases like "in my reflection" or "on my reflection". While "in" might sometimes be acceptable depending on the context (e.g. seeing something in the reflection), "at" emphasizes the act of looking toward the reflection itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at my reflection" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, often indicating direction or focus. It adds detail about where the action of looking or staring is directed. Ludwig shows frequent use across a spectrum of writing, confirming this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at my reflection" serves as a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts. It vividly describes the act of observing oneself in a reflective surface, often suggesting introspection or self-awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, emphasizing its role in setting scenes and portraying characters' internal states. While alternatives like "looking at myself" or "seeing my own image" exist, "at my reflection" maintains a distinct emphasis on the reflective aspect of the observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking at myself

Focuses on the act of seeing oneself, without specifying a reflective surface.

seeing my own image

Emphasizes the visual representation of oneself.

observing my reflection

Highlights a more detached and analytical observation of one's reflection.

gazing at my reflection

Implies a longer, more contemplative look at one's reflection.

studying my reflection

Suggests a detailed and careful examination of one's reflection.

examining my appearance

Shifts the focus to the overall look, not necessarily in a reflection.

scrutinizing my image

Suggests a critical and detailed inspection of one's appearance.

contemplating my visage

Adds a philosophical and introspective dimension to considering one's appearance.

assessing my looks

Focuses on evaluating one's physical attractiveness.

taking stock of my appearance

Implies a comprehensive evaluation of one's physical state.

FAQs

How can I use "at my reflection" in a sentence?

The phrase "at my reflection" is used to describe the act of looking at oneself in a reflective surface. For example: "I paused and stared "at my reflection", noticing the changes time had wrought."

What's a more formal way to say "at my reflection"?

While "at my reflection" is suitable for most contexts, a more formal alternative could be "observing my reflection" or "contemplating my image". These phrases add a layer of sophistication and introspection.

What can I say instead of "at my reflection" to convey a similar meaning?

You can use alternatives like "looking at myself", "seeing my own image", or "gazing at my reflection" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "at my reflection" and "in my reflection"?

"At my reflection" indicates the action of looking towards one's image, while "in my reflection" refers to something that exists within the image itself. For example, "I saw a shadow in my reflection" versus "I frowned at my reflection".