but reflects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but reflects" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something not only exists or occurs but also serves as a representation or manifestation of a particular idea or quality. Example: "The artwork is vibrant and colorful, but reflects the artist's deep emotional struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The sample is small but reflects progress.

The New York Times

His status of 21st is hardly disastrous but reflects form rather than ability.

The Guardian - Sport

Ethnically, contemporary Georgia is not homogeneous but reflects the intermixtures and successions of the Caucasus region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This refers to the moth's appearance but reflects its puzzling rarity too.

The Guardian

This is not a sign of personal strength but reflects my dissolute appetite for vacation values.

The New York Times - Arts

It is not insulated but reflects the vitality of metropolitan New York.

The New York Times

The order is historic, but reflects more than Airbus's belated entry into a market that had been monopolised by Boeing.

The Economist

Sofia Gubaidulina's Offertorium, completed in 1980, quotes Bach's Musical Offering, but reflects the composer's own Christian faith.

The Guardian - Music

Fashion, as Coco said, does not happen in a vacuum but reflects the times in which we live.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This undercuts Mabey's belief that Blythe is a "first-class naturalist" but reflects the breadth of Blythe's passions.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Violence in my novels is contrived--it's pure fiction--but reflects a core truth about human nature.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but reflects", ensure that the two clauses connected by "but" present a clear contrast. The second clause should clarify or provide a deeper understanding of the first by showing what it represents.

Common error

Avoid using "but reflects" when there isn't a genuine contrast between the clauses. The phrase implies a shift in perspective or a deeper meaning, so ensure the sentence structure supports this nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but reflects" functions as a conjunction that introduces a contrasting perspective while simultaneously clarifying or interpreting the initial statement. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this expression. It connects two ideas, where the second clause provides a deeper understanding or manifestation of the first.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but reflects" is a versatile phrase used to connect contrasting ideas while providing a deeper layer of meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions as a conjunction, prompting the audience to consider the underlying significance of a statement. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's particularly useful in academic, scientific, and professional contexts. Common usage includes news, science and encyclopedias, but less frequent usage refers to wiki, formal & business and reference contexts. Remember to use it when there's a genuine contrast and the second clause clarifies the first by showing what it represents. Avoid using it when there is no contrast. Considering alternative phrases such as "yet demonstrates" or "though it embodies" can help to improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet it mirrors

Uses "mirrors" instead of "reflects", implying a close resemblance or representation.

yet demonstrates

Replaces "reflects" with "demonstrates", emphasizing the showing or proving aspect.

but embodies

Shortened version, focuses on the concept of embodying rather than reflecting.

while it manifests

Replaces "reflects" with "manifests", focusing on how something becomes apparent or obvious.

though it embodies

Uses "embodies" instead of "reflects", highlighting the representation of an idea or quality.

however it illustrates

Substitutes "reflects" with "illustrates", emphasizing the clarification or explanation of something.

however it portrays

Substitutes "reflects" with "portrays", focusing on how something is depicted or represented.

but it signifies

Replaces "reflects" with "signifies", stressing the meaning or importance of something.

though it exhibits

Uses "exhibits" instead of "reflects", stressing the display of a quality or characteristic.

although it indicates

Substitutes "reflects" with "indicates", highlighting that something shows or points to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "but reflects" in a sentence?

Use "but reflects" to connect two contrasting ideas where the second part explains or represents the deeper meaning or implication of the first. For example, "The data is limited, but reflects a growing trend."

What are some alternatives to "but reflects"?

You can use alternatives like "yet demonstrates", "though it embodies", or "however it portrays" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "but represents" and "but reflects"?

While similar, "but represents" often implies a more direct or symbolic relationship, whereas "but reflects" suggests a more nuanced or indirect manifestation of something.

When is it appropriate to use "but reflects" in academic writing?

It's suitable to use "but reflects" in academic writing when you want to show that a finding or observation, while seemingly limited or contradictory, provides insights into a broader phenomenon or underlying principle.