reflection of what

USAGE SUMMARY

"reflection of what" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to introduce a question or statement about something that serves as a reflection or representation of something else. Example: The painting was a reflection of what the artist had experienced during her travels in Europe.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The starting point is a reflection of what I like.

Independent

But this isn't a true reflection of what is happening.

The New York Times

It's a reflection of what our attitudes could cause.

The Guardian

Everything is a reflection of what you do.

The New York Times - Sports

"Her mixed heritage and blended family are a reflection of what many children today experience".

Independent

So, this table is not a fair reflection of what we do".

Independent

And that spirit is a reflection of what you see on the cricket pitch.

The Economist

It's just a reflection of what an exception to the rule this election was".

The New York Times

The comments I make about them are usually just a reflection of what I see.

The New York Times - Arts

She insists that her subject matter is merely a reflection of what comes naturally to her.

The New Yorker

Cairo is a wonderful reflection of what is right and wrong with the Arab world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reflection of what" to introduce a clause that explains what something represents or mirrors. For instance, "The company's performance is a reflection of what they value."

Common error

Avoid using "reflection of what" when you simply mean 'because of' or 'due to'. "Reflection of what" implies a mirroring or representation, not just a cause-and-effect relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reflection of what" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase introducing a noun clause. It typically modifies a noun or clause, specifying what is being represented or mirrored. Ludwig shows many examples where this construction serves to clarify a relationship between an entity and its representation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reflection of what" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something mirrors or represents another. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, make sure that you indicate a real and direct mirroring. Furthermore, ensure that a more appropriate alternative isn't available, such as "representation of what", "indication of what", or "manifestation of what". Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, from formal reports to casual articles. Remember that its primary purpose is to draw a direct connection between an entity and something it mirrors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mirror of what

Emphasizes the direct and accurate mirroring of something.

representation of what

Highlights the act of standing in for something else.

indication of what

Focuses on the suggestive nature rather than the mirroring aspect.

image of what

Highlights a visual or mental picture of something.

expression of what

Emphasizes the communication or outward portrayal of something.

embodiment of what

Focuses on the concrete or physical representation of something.

manifestation of what

Emphasizes the outward or tangible appearance of something.

symbol of what

Highlights the emblematic or representative nature.

result of what

Shifts the focus to the outcome or consequence of something.

evidence of what

Stresses the factual or verifiable aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "reflection of what" in a sentence?

You can use "reflection of what" to show how something represents or mirrors something else. For example, "The team's performance is a "reflection of what" they've practiced".

What can I say instead of "reflection of what"?

You can use alternatives like "representation of what", "indication of what", or "manifestation of what" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to include "what" after "reflection of"?

While "reflection of" can sometimes stand alone, including "what" clarifies that you're referring to something specific being mirrored or represented, enhancing the sentence's clarity.

What's the difference between "reflection of what" and "impression of what"?

"Reflection of what" suggests a more direct mirroring or representation, while "impression of what" implies a subjective or perceived understanding.