negative reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negative reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a critical or unfavorable assessment of something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The report provided a negative reflection of the company's financial health, raising concerns among investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It's important to identify what parts of our personality reflect who we want to be and what parts represent a negative reflection of our past.

Huffington Post

Is this a negative reflection on your policy?

The Guardian

Nénette, by contrast, offers a much more negative reflection of humanity – one whose pessimism Philibert appears to share.

The Guardian - Film

And in a videotape shown to the department's 2,100 officers, Mr. Bejarano said they should not take the results as a negative reflection on their work.

The New York Times

Beyond the negative reflection on one company's practices, and the deterrent to bad behavior by others, the case contains a timely message for Congress.

The New York Times

In a letter to Dahabshiil, a Barclays representative said the decision is "not a negative reflection of your anti-money laundering standards, nor a belief that your business has unwittingly been a conduit for financial crime.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

In an interview on Monday, Turnbull said the judge in the case had made negative reflections on the commission in the case and he urged the organisation to reflect on whether it was undermining public support for its work.

The Guardian

Observers say that, amid all the negative reflections on South Africa prompted by the Pistorius saga, one positive element has been the apparent strength of the country's justice system.

The Guardian

Egyptian state news media said Foreign Minister Mohamed Amr had "warned Israel against the consequences of escalation and the negative reflections it may have on the security and stability of the region".

The New York Times

The HDI, HDII, and HDIII gas sand reservoir tops have negative reflections (soft kick in blue) which indicates a less consolidated gas sand overlain by consolidated shale typical of the Niger delta petroleum system (Doust and Omatsola 1990).

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

The experience also played a pivotal role in liberating my mind from negative reflections of myself.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "negative reflection", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being negatively reflected upon. Clarity is crucial for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "negative reflection" when simpler terms like "negative impact" or "bad impression" would suffice. Overusing it in informal settings can sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative reflection" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'negative' modifies 'reflection'. It is often used to describe how an event, action, or quality casts an unfavorable light on something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "negative reflection" is a phrase used to express an unfavorable assessment or consequence, often in a metaphorical sense. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts, it's essential to consider the formality of the setting when choosing this phrase over simpler alternatives like "negative impact" or "bad impression". When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly specifies what is being negatively reflected upon to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative impact

Similar to "negative reflection" but more direct about the effect.

detrimental effect

Stresses the damaging or harmful impact.

adverse consequence

Focuses on the result or outcome being unfavorable.

critical assessment

Emphasizes a judgmental and potentially negative evaluation.

unfavorable light

Emphasizes a bad or disadvantageous perspective.

poor image

Highlights a negative public perception or impression.

bad impression

Focuses on the unfavorable feeling created.

poor showing

Highlights a disappointing performance.

unflattering portrayal

Highlights the negative representation.

downward spiral

Implies a progressive decline as a result.

FAQs

How can I use "negative reflection" in a sentence?

You can use "negative reflection" to describe something that casts a bad light on something else. For example, "The scandal was a "negative reflection" on the company's ethics."

What are some alternatives to "negative reflection"?

Alternatives include "negative impact", "bad impression", or "unfavorable light" depending on the context.

Is "negative reflection" a formal phrase?

"Negative reflection" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in formal writing or discussions. Simpler alternatives may be more suitable for casual conversations.

What's the difference between "negative reflection" and "negative impact"?

"Negative reflection" implies that something casts a shadow on something else, while "negative impact" directly describes the effect or result. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the indirect effect or the direct consequence.