reflects

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "reflects" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that gives a representation or impression of something else. For example, "This painting reflects the artist's complex emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As the Global Times is an offshoot of the Chinese Communist party's official newspaper, the People's Daily, we can assume its blunt diagnosis reflects the governmental view.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shell said pay for Van Beurden "reflects delivery of company strategy, measured by both short-term and long-term targets".

The Guardian

"It does come as a bit of a shock to the system," Grieve reflects.

The Guardian

Some of it reflects perceptions of minority progress in both countries.

The Guardian

One newspaper argued that the occupation reflects "the great ideological struggle of our time".

The Guardian

A diplomatic response but one which reflects his mindset; for all Liverani's history, immediate ambitions at Brisbane Road are clearly dominating his thoughts.

The Guardian - Sport

Sainsbury's partnership with British Athletics reflects its wider commitment to inspiring healthy lifestyles for all, and complements grassroots campaigns such as Active Kids and the Sainsbury's School Games.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This also reflects the Guardian brand, which whilst serious at times is also not afraid to be fun and playful.

The Guardian

It reflects the continued strong influence of the evangelical Christian lobby within the party".

The Guardian

He wants a system of commissioning that reflects "public priorities" but at the same time has the clinical input of GPs, but other healthcare professionals, such as nurses.

The Guardian

But critics say it reflects also a lack of creative thinking and enthusiasm for the programme on the part of health professionals, local care commissioners and, at least until recently, NHS England.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reflects", ensure the subject genuinely mirrors or represents the object in a meaningful way. Avoid using it loosely to simply mean 'shows' or 'indicates'.

Common error

Avoid using "reflects" when a more direct verb like "shows" or "indicates" is more appropriate. Overusing "reflects" can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reflects" is as a third-person singular present tense verb. It connects a subject with something it mirrors, represents, or indicates. As Ludwig AI indicates, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Science

0.5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reflects" functions as a verb indicating that something mirrors, represents, or shows something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While "reflects" is a versatile word, it's essential to ensure it accurately conveys the relationship of representation. Alternatives such as "indicates", "represents", and "mirrors" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Overusing "reflects" can dilute your writing, so choose your words carefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicates

Suggests a more direct pointing-out or signaling of something, rather than a mirroring or representation.

demonstrates

Highlights the act of showing or proving something clearly, differing from a mere reflection.

represents

Focuses on standing for or symbolizing something, not necessarily mirroring it.

mirrors

Emphasizes a direct and often exact correspondence, unlike a general representation.

shows

A simpler and more general term for indicating or making something visible.

illustrates

Highlights the use of examples to clarify or explain, differing from a pure reflection.

embodies

Signifies giving a concrete form to an abstract idea or quality.

projects

Suggests presenting something outward, possibly with intention, rather than passively reflecting.

captures

Emphasizes successfully recording or representing something, often fleeting.

echoes

Implies a partial or resonating similarity, differing from a complete or direct reflection.

FAQs

How do I use "reflects" in a sentence?

Use "reflects" to indicate that something mirrors, represents, or shows something else. For example, "The data "reflects" a change in consumer behavior".

What can I say instead of "reflects"?

You can use alternatives like "indicates", "represents", or "mirrors" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "reflects" or "reflecting"?

The correct form depends on the sentence structure. "Reflects" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb, while "reflecting" is the present participle or gerund form.

What's the difference between "reflects" and "shows"?

"Reflects" implies a mirroring or representation, while "shows" is a more general term for indicating something. "The survey reflects public opinion" suggests the survey mirrors public sentiment, whereas "The survey shows results" simply indicates what the survey reveals.