mirror

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'mirror' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as either a noun or a verb. Noun example: The mirror in the bedroom was cracked from the fall. Verb example: She mirrored his actions as he danced.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

News & Media

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

(Expenses are paid by donations, and a few independent well-wishers also run "mirror sites" in support).

The Economist

There was no mirror, signal, manoeuvre in 1882.

The Guardian

It includes the line "staring at the faces in the rear-view mirror, looking at the promise of the promised land".

The Guardian

"I had to show him therefore into the bathroom, but put my friends – before opening the door – behind the book mirror.

The Guardian

He also had a special Twitter mirror that looked suspiciously like an iPad wrapped up in a prop from Sleeping Beauty.

The Guardian

"It's inevitable that web series will mirror film and split into two camps – indie web series creators who produce and distribute on their own, and "studio" web series creators who produce content for online channels.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is a gigantic mirror-clad middle finger aimed at the region; indeed, it's hard to imagine a more obnoxious gesture to inflict on a sleepy spa town.

The Guardian - Arts

Seated and buckled, we're given a rather pessimistic safety briefing ("if you hear the words 'brace brace' we are crashing and we're all going to die") and told that if mirror-balls fall from the ceiling then we should twerk ourselves into an early grave.

The Guardian - Music

Those attending from the press side included John Witherow, the Sunday Times editor tipped to edit the Times, Paul Vickers, the group legal director of Trinity Mirror, Chris Blackhurst, the editor of the Independent – and Wright and Lord Hunt.

The Guardian

The Daily Mirror organised a man in a chicken costume to demonstrate against Cameron's cowardice.

The Guardian - Opinion

The writing was so amazing and I feel like we've never had anything quite as good since then, so that's what I'd like to see: another trip in the madness that, like with Black Mirror and like Twilight Zone, deals with aspects of the human psyche.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mirror" as a verb, ensure the subject and object logically connect. For instance, "The results mirror our expectations" is clearer than "Our expectations mirror the results" if the results are the primary focus.

Common error

Avoid using "mirror" reflexively when it's unnecessary. Instead of saying "The company mirrored itself in the new strategy", a clearer phrasing would be "The company's new strategy reflected its core values".

Linguistic Context

The word "mirror" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a reflective surface, or as a verb, meaning to reflect or closely resemble. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely used in English writing. It is commonly used both as a noun (e.g., 'look in the mirror') or a verb (e.g., 'the results mirror expectations').

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mirror" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, denoting reflection, representation, or close resemblance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and frequent across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's generally neutral in register, mastering its nuances, such as avoiding unnecessary reflexive uses, can enhance writing clarity. Alternatives like "reflect", "replicate", and "imitate" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts, expanding your linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reflect

Focuses specifically on the act of showing an image of something.

reflection

Highlights the image produced by a reflective surface.

duplicate

Implies creating an exact copy or replica.

replicate

Suggests reproducing something closely, often in a scientific or technical context.

imitate

Emphasizes copying someone's behavior or actions.

emulate

Highlights trying to equal or surpass someone or something, often admired.

represent

Indicates standing for or symbolizing something else.

show

A general term for displaying or revealing something.

image

Refers to a visual representation or likeness.

likeness

Indicates a similarity or resemblance.

FAQs

How can I use "mirror" in a sentence?

As a noun, you might say, "She checked her reflection in the mirror". As a verb, you can say, "The politician's actions "mirror his words"".

What are some alternatives to the word "mirror"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "reflect", "replicate", or "imitate".

What does it mean when something "mirrors" something else?

When something "mirrors" something else, it means it closely resembles or "reflects" the characteristics, qualities, or features of that thing. It implies a strong similarity or correspondence.

Is there a difference between "mirror" and "reflection"?

"Mirror" is the object that reflects an image, while "reflection" is the image itself. You look into a "mirror" to see your "reflection".