it reflected on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it reflected on" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing how something has an impact on or reveals insights about a particular subject or situation. For example, "The report reflected on the challenges faced by the community." Alternative expressions include "it shed light on" and "it highlighted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

As GAVI concludes its 'mid-term review' meeting -- where it reflected on its accomplishments over the last few years and looked ahead to how it will position itself in the future -- we think it's a good time to suggest several short- and long-term changes that could help reach more of the children who are missing out on life-saving vaccination.

Huffington Post

"He's great to have but an accident waiting to happen … and this one in the summer, although it was with Uruguay, although it didn't directly involve the Premier League, clearly it reflected on Liverpool as one of our great clubs.

The Guardian - Sport

The set could have used a bit more warmth in its bluster — one reason to wish Joe Lovano, usually a marquee figure in Saxophone Summit, could have made the gig — but its sincerity, and the light it reflected on both Coltrane and his label, couldn't have been clearer.

The New York Times - Arts

"And this one, in the summer, although it was with Uruguay, although at the World Cup, although it didn't directly involve the Premier League - clearly, Liverpool, as one of our great clubs, it reflected on them and it reflected on us.

BBC

And it reflected on us," Scudamore said.

The Guardian - Sport

But the more I read the book, the better I thought it reflected on the Prime Minister.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Does it reflect on its instrumentation?

The Guardian - Music

"It reflects on them.

The New York Times

It reflects, on the whole, rabbinical service.

The New York Times

It reflects on the Jewish community here.

The New York Times

Somehow it reflects on the space".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs like 'highlighted', 'revealed', or 'influenced' if the reflective aspect isn't crucial to your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "it reflected on" when you actually mean "it was reflected in". The first implies the subject is actively causing reflection, while the second means the subject is being mirrored or shown by something else.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it reflected on" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to its effect or impact on something else. It indicates that the subject's qualities or actions have consequences for, or reveal something about, the object. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase demonstrates an action influencing an entity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it reflected on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that denotes the impact or influence of a subject on something else. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media, Science and Wiki, indicating a neutral register. Although it is commonly used, it is important to use stronger verbs if the reflective component isn't required. Several alternatives such as "it had an impact on" and "it shed light on" can be considered based on the intended nuance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that this phrase is acceptable for use in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had an impact on

Focuses on the effect or influence something had, rather than the reflective quality.

it shed light on

Emphasizes clarification or providing understanding.

it gave insight into

Highlights the provision of a deeper understanding or perspective.

it influenced

Directly states the act of influencing, removing the reflective aspect.

it bore upon

A more formal way of saying it had a bearing on or relevance to.

it had repercussions for

Focuses on the consequences or after-effects.

it mirrored

Emphasizes a direct correspondence or similarity.

it was indicative of

Highlights the pointing-to or signifying nature of something.

it betrayed

Focuses on revealing something, often unintentionally.

it impacted

A direct and concise way to express influence or effect.

FAQs

How can I use "it reflected on" in a sentence?

Use "it reflected on" to describe how something had an impact or revealed something about a particular subject. For example, "The team's performance reflected on the coach's leadership."

What are some alternatives to "it reflected on"?

You can use alternatives like "it had an impact on", "it shed light on", or "it influenced" depending on the specific context.

Is "it reflected on" formal or informal?

"It reflected on" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. However, for more informal writing, you might choose a simpler phrase. The formality depends heavily on the surrounding vocabulary and tone.

What's the difference between "it reflected on" and "it was reflected in"?

"It reflected on" means something actively influenced or impacted something else. "It was reflected in" means something was mirrored or shown in something else. For example, "His behavior reflected on his family" (influenced) versus "His nervousness was reflected in his voice" (shown).