be a reflection of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a reflection of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something represents or mirrors another thing, often in terms of qualities, characteristics, or values. Example: "Her actions are often a reflection of her strong moral values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The deaths may simply be a reflection of poorer health.

The New York Times

Poverty used to be a reflection of scarcity.

The Economist

It may be a reflection of the times.

The New York Times

"Sesame Street" ceased to be a reflection of its surroundings.

The New York Times

"It may be a reflection of the property market.

The Guardian - Business

According to Hardison: 'Fashion should be a reflection of society.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Nihalani's action should not be a reflection of my choices.

The Guardian - Film

Could this be a reflection of the economy?

The New York Times

In other words, he wants this house to be a reflection of his life's work?

The New York Times

Some of that seemed to be a reflection of Mr. Romney's margin of victory here.

The New York Times

Or it could be a reflection of the much greater volatility in that survey.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a reflection of", ensure that the relationship between the subject and what it reflects is clear and logical. Avoid vague connections that could confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "be a reflection of" when the connection is tenuous or metaphorical. Overstating the relationship can weaken your argument. Use more precise language when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a reflection of" functions as a predicate nominative, linking the subject to a noun phrase that renames it. It indicates that the subject embodies or represents the qualities of the noun phrase, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be a reflection of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that serves to establish a relationship of representation or mirroring between two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from formal news and scientific writing to more informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the connection between the subject and what it reflects is clear and logical. Related phrases like "represent" or "mirror" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be indicative of

Similar, but places greater stress on its use as a sign or symptom.

mirror

Suggests a direct and accurate correspondence, like a visual reflection.

represent

Implies standing in place of something else, focusing on a formal or symbolic relationship.

correspond to

Emphasizes a direct correlation or equivalence between two things.

indicate

Focuses on pointing out or suggesting something, often as a sign or symptom.

exemplify

Highlights serving as a typical example of something, showcasing its qualities.

demonstrate

Implies showing something clearly and convincingly through evidence or action.

embody

Suggests giving a concrete form to an abstract idea or quality.

manifest

Focuses on becoming apparent or showing itself, often unexpectedly.

symbolize

Implies representing something through a symbol or emblem.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be a reflection of" is used to indicate that something represents or mirrors something else. For example, "Her success is a reflection of her hard work" shows a direct link between effort and outcome.

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "represent", "mirror", or "indicate" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "be a reflection of" or "is reflective of"?

"Be a reflection of" and "is reflective of" are both grammatically correct, but "be a reflection of" emphasizes the direct representation, while "is reflective of" highlights the quality of mirroring. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "be a reflection of" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "be a reflection of" is suitable for formal writing. As Ludwig AI demonstrates, it appears in reputable publications like The New York Times and The Economist. However, ensure the connection between the subject and its reflection is clear and well-supported.