is reflective of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is reflective of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when making statements about how something reflects something else. For example, "The quality of the work is reflective of the student's dedication and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Santorum is reflective of those values".

The New Yorker

"I don't think this is reflective of Houston.

The Guardian

"It is reflective of changed values at the shareholder level".

The New York Times

This isn't reflective of education; this is reflective of culture.

The Guardian

"I do not think it is reflective of our principles.

The New Yorker

Music is reflective of your heart and your true feelings.

The Guardian - Music

But it is reflective of how Republicans feel.

The Washington Post

But this is reflective of the industry in general".

Independent

"It is reflective of real life," Ms. Malloy said.

The New York Times

This is reflective of the structural inequalities in our system.

Columbia University

It's a film, according to Gyllenhaal, that is reflective of more sombre economic times.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is reflective of" when you want to show a clear relationship between something and its underlying cause or meaning. For example, "The company's success is reflective of its innovative strategies."

Common error

Avoid using "is reflective of" in overly simplistic sentences where a more direct verb like "shows" or "indicates" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is reflective of" functions as a copular verb phrase, linking a subject to a descriptive attribute. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates that the subject embodies or represents the quality or characteristic being described. Examples show its use in expressing relationships between data and trends, actions and consequences, or appearances and underlying realities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is reflective of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something embodies or represents something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While highly versatile, overuse in simple sentences should be avoided. Alternatives like "is indicative of" or "shows" can offer more directness where appropriate. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability in both formal and informal discourse, making it a valuable tool for expressing nuanced relationships and underlying meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is indicative of

Indicates a sign or symptom, suggesting something is revealed more directly.

is representative of

Implies being a typical example or symbol, emphasizing typicality.

is demonstrative of

Highlights the act of demonstrating or proving something through example.

is illustrative of

Focuses on clarifying or explaining something through examples or instances.

mirrors

Implies a close similarity or direct correspondence, often visual.

reveals

Suggests uncovering something previously hidden or unknown.

shows

A simpler term for indicating the presence or manifestation of something.

embodies

Indicates the physical or tangible representation of an abstract concept.

epitomizes

Implies being a perfect example of something, representing the best qualities.

is symptomatic of

Suggests being a sign or indication of an underlying issue or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "is reflective of" in a sentence?

Use "is reflective of" to indicate that something represents or demonstrates something else. For instance, "The increase in sales "is reflective of" successful marketing campaigns".

What are some alternatives to "is reflective of"?

You can use phrases like "is indicative of", "is representative of", or "mirrors" as alternatives to "is reflective of", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "is reflective of" and "reflects"?

"Is reflective of" is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "reflects". While "reflects" is a direct verb, "is reflective of" adds a layer of interpretation, suggesting that something embodies certain qualities or characteristics.

When should I use "is reflective of" instead of "shows"?

Use "is reflective of" when you want to emphasize that something not only shows something else but also embodies or represents it. "Shows" is more straightforward, while "is reflective of" implies a deeper connection or underlying cause.