rearview mirror

USAGE SUMMARY

"rearview mirror" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the mirror located on the interior of a car behind the driver, used to see the rear of the car and any objects or vehicles behind it. Example: The driver glanced in the rearview mirror to check for any cars behind him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

firmly in the rearview mirror.

The New York Times

In the rearview mirror, ditto.

The New York Times - Magazine

Keep bad boyfriends in your rearview mirror.

The New York Times

The country is your rearview mirror: heaven.

The New York Times

The rearview mirror looked odd, even ominous.

The New York Times - Magazine

My left rearview mirror was broken.

The New Yorker

I looked in the rearview mirror.

The New Yorker

A cross hung from the rearview mirror.

The New Yorker

Our grizzled driver adjusted his rearview mirror.

The New York Times

Jason said, glancing at the rearview mirror.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The indexes are rearview-mirror measures.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of regional spelling variations, although "rearview mirror" is the more common spelling.

Common error

Avoid using "rearview mirror" to describe future events or forward-looking perspectives. It primarily denotes reflection on the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rearview mirror" functions primarily as a noun, typically acting as the subject or object within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to define or describe the mirror located on the interior of a car.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rearview mirror" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to a mirror in a vehicle that allows the driver to see behind them. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While primarily literal, it can be used metaphorically to represent reflection on past events. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, its register is neutral and widely understood. When using "rearview mirror" metaphorically, clarity is key to ensure the context of reflection or looking back is well-established. Remember also that there are some alternatives that can be used, based on context, such as "car mirror" or "driving mirror".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rear view mirror

Minor spelling variation using a space instead of being a single word.

car mirror

Broader term referring to any mirror in a car, including side mirrors.

driving mirror

Focuses on the purpose of the mirror in the act of driving.

internal car mirror

Combines location and vehicle type.

interior mirror

Emphasizes the mirror's location inside the vehicle.

automobile mirror

Uses a more formal term for "car".

vehicle mirror

A generic term applicable to any type of vehicle.

observation mirror

Highlights the function of observing what's behind the vehicle.

center mirror

Specifies the central position of the mirror.

dipping mirror

Highlights the ability to reduce glare, which some rearview mirrors have.

FAQs

How is "rearview mirror" used in a sentence?

The phrase "rearview mirror" is used to refer to a mirror in a vehicle that allows the driver to see what is behind them. For example, "He checked the rearview mirror before changing lanes."

What's another word for "rearview mirror"?

While there isn't a direct synonym, alternatives include "car mirror" or "driving mirror", depending on the context.

Is it "rear view mirror" or "rearview mirror"?

"Rearview mirror" is more common as a single word, but "rear view mirror" is also acceptable. The single-word form is generally preferred in modern usage.

When can I use "rearview mirror" metaphorically?

You can use "rearview mirror" metaphorically to refer to reflecting on or considering past events, similar to phrases like "looking back" or "in retrospect".