in the mirror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the mirror" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is seen when looking in a mirror, or to describe something that one sees in their reflection. For example, "She saw her reflection in the mirror and felt a sense of pride."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the mirror.

The New York Times

— lookin' in the mirror.

The New York Times - Sports

He looked in the mirror.

The New Yorker

I looked in the mirror.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the mirror Mishazzo nodded.

The New Yorker

… Now look in the mirror!

The New York Times

I look in the mirror.

Independent

Seriously, look in the mirror.

The New Yorker

I'm looking in the mirror.

The New York Times

He's looking in the mirror.

The New Yorker

Confide in the mirror.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the mirror" to vividly describe a character's self-assessment or a moment of realization.

Common error

Be mindful that "in the mirror" literally means within the reflection. Ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation as a metaphor for introspection when a literal description is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the mirror" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating location or circumstance. It's commonly used to describe actions or states of being related to seeing one's reflection, as Ludwig examples indicate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the mirror" is a very common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms. It's primarily used to describe something visible in a mirror's reflection, often carrying connotations of self-assessment or introspection. The phrase appears most frequently in news articles and general how-to guides. While versatile, careful attention should be paid to the context to avoid ambiguity, ensuring that the phrase is understood either literally or metaphorically as intended. Consider alternatives like "in the reflection" or "looking at oneself" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the reflection

Replaces "mirror" with "reflection", focusing on the image rather than the object.

in the looking glass

Uses a more archaic term for mirror, adding a literary or whimsical tone.

seeing one's image

Focuses on the visual aspect of seeing a mirrored image.

looking at oneself

Emphasizes the act of self-observation.

examining oneself

Similar to 'assessing oneself', but suggests a more detailed analysis.

assessing oneself

Highlights the act of evaluating one's own qualities or actions.

reflecting upon oneself

Combines the ideas of reflection and introspection.

contemplating oneself

Suggests a deep and thoughtful consideration of one's own nature.

upon reflection

Shifts the focus to the act of thinking deeply about something.

considering one's actions

Focuses on thinking about what one has done.

FAQs

How can I use "in the mirror" in a sentence?

You can use "in the mirror" to describe what someone sees when looking at their reflection, such as "She saw a stranger "in the mirror"."

What are some alternatives to saying "in the mirror"?

Alternatives include "in the reflection", "looking at oneself", or "seeing one's image", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "in the mirror"?

The phrase itself is grammatically sound. However, ensure that the context accurately reflects a literal reflection or a metaphorical self-assessment.

What does "in the mirror" imply in literature or figurative language?

Figuratively, "in the mirror" often represents self-reflection, introspection, or a confrontation with one's true self.