reflects well on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reflects well on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone's actions or qualities create a positive impression or reputation for someone or something else. Example: "Her dedication to community service reflects well on our organization, showcasing our commitment to social responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Those are the only two conclusions and neither one reflects well on him".

The New York Times

That is true of most European banks but not of big American ones, which reflects well on both United States bankers and regulators.

The New York Times

This was one such occasion - a tremendous gesture which reflects well on the whole team and indeed on the whole country.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The process is not one that makes America proud or leaves anybody happy or reflects well on the Senate or the Court, which is damaged by this as well," he said.

Vice

This reflects well on Mr Karzai.

The Economist

"The sad demise of BHS reflects well on nobody.

The Guardian - Business

I don't think it reflects well on gay people.

The New York Times

Puppies are funny, which reflects well on their owners.

The Economist

It is not, clearly, a story that reflects well on Italy's biggest club.

The Guardian

The effort also reflects well on the whole idea of public-private partnerships.

The New York Times

But like Elton John, he's still standing, which reflects well on his sang froid.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reflects well on", ensure that the subject of the phrase (the thing doing the reflecting) is clearly connected to the entity it positively affects. This strengthens the sentence's clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "reflects well on" when the subject does not logically contribute to the positive image. For instance, stating 'The poorly designed website reflects well on the company' is contradictory and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reflects well on" functions as a verb phrase that describes how an action, quality, or event positively influences the perception or reputation of someone or something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Opinion

4%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reflects well on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate that something has a positive impact on the reputation or image of something else. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is widely accepted and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news, business, and sports reporting. When using the phrase, ensure the subject logically contributes to the positive reflection. Consider alternatives like "enhances the reputation of" or "is a credit to" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reflects favorably upon

A more formal variation of the original phrase.

is a credit to

Highlights the praiseworthy nature of something.

enhances the reputation of

Focuses on the improvement of an entity's image.

casts a positive light on

Emphasizes the favorable impression created.

brings honor to

Stresses the respect and prestige gained.

speaks volumes for

Highlights the significance of the positive impact.

makes a good impression on

Focuses on the positive impact of somebody on others.

redounds to the credit of

A somewhat archaic but emphatic way of indicating praise.

is a good advertisement for

Suggests that something is a positive endorsement.

does justice to

Indicates that something adequately represents or honors something else.

FAQs

How can I use "reflects well on" in a sentence?

You can use "reflects well on" to indicate that someone's actions or qualities create a positive impression or reputation for someone or something else. For example, "Her dedication to community service "reflects well on" our organization, showcasing our commitment to social responsibility."

What can I say instead of "reflects well on"?

You can use alternatives like "enhances the reputation of", "is a credit to", or "casts a positive light on", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "reflects well on" or "reflects favorably on"?

"Reflects favorably on" is a more formal variation of ""reflects well on"". Both are correct, but ""reflects well on"" is generally more common and suitable for everyday use.

How does the meaning change if I use "reflects poorly on" instead of "reflects well on"?

Using "reflects poorly on" reverses the meaning, indicating a negative impact or unfavorable impression. It suggests that someone's actions or qualities damage the reputation or image of someone or something else.