reflexive comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reflexive comment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally, it is used to describe a comment or statement that is a reaction to the situation, experience, or feelings one is having. For example, "After experiencing a traumatic event, I made a reflexive comment to my therapist about my feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Warnock, for example, apparently conceiving of Stevenson's Ethics and Language simply as a development of a theory of moral language, writes that "it is as if Stevenson had become over self-conscious about methodology and there is a good deal of reflexive commenting upon his own procedures, which add little or nothing to the actual ethical theory" (Warnock 1978, p. 66).

SEP

Researchers added analytical and reflexive comments to field notes immediately after observations.

BMJ Open

There are asterisked footnotes, italicized interruptions and self-reflexive comments about unreliability.

The New York Times - Books

And while acting, for stars of a certain magnitude, is often a matter of aura, of simply being themselves, Mr. Pitt has shown a sly understanding of the uses of charisma: some of his most intriguing films ("Fight Club," "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford") are self-reflexive comments on his obvious magnetism.

The New York Times

With almost 1,000 of these slogans, they each read as ironic and self-reflexive comments on social media culture itself.

Vice

The hyper-aware world of post-internet art uses social media to make ironic and self-reflexive comments on social media culture itself.

Vice

Sucking it down is a reflex, our first reflexive gratification.

Huffington Post

Of the writers quoted in Topping's article, only Naomi Woolf makes note of "the reflexive dismissal of 'chick lit'", which comment is left completely and lamentably unexamined.

Huffington Post

The above comments show that E is reflexive and hence a JBW��-triple.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

As others have commented, this requires consumers to adopt a reflexive and calculative approach to eating (Beardsworth and Keil, 1997; Debevec and Tivadar, 2006; Niva, 2008).

BioSocieties

He goes on to comment that he too "was struck by Larkin's reflexive, stock-response 'racism', and by his peculiarly tightfisted 'misogyny' [Amis's quotation marks].

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reflexive comment" when you want to emphasize that a comment is an immediate and somewhat unthinking reaction to a situation or stimulus. Consider whether a more deliberate or thoughtful response would be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "reflexive" when you mean "reflective". "Reflexive" implies an immediate, almost automatic response, while "reflective" suggests thoughtful consideration. Ensure your word choice accurately represents the level of thought involved in the comment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reflexive comment" is to act as a noun phrase, where "reflexive" modifies the noun "comment". Ludwig AI indicates that it describes a comment that is a reaction to a situation, experience, or feelings.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reflexive comment" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an immediate, often unconsidered reaction. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, its relatively low frequency suggests that alternative expressions might be more common depending on the desired emphasis. Be mindful to differentiate it from "reflective comment", which implies more thoughtful deliberation. When employing "reflexive comment", consider whether the context warrants highlighting the spontaneous nature of the statement or if a more considered tone would be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spontaneous remark

Emphasizes the unplanned and immediate nature of the comment.

knee-jerk reaction

Highlights the automatic and unthinking quality of the response, shifting the focus to impulsiveness.

instinctive response

Focuses on the inherent or innate nature of the comment as a reaction.

unthinking reply

Directly points out the lack of deliberation behind the comment.

automatic statement

Underscores the mechanical and predictable quality of the comment.

impulsive utterance

Emphasizes the sudden and rash nature of the spoken comment.

immediate feedback

Shifts the emphasis to the promptness and directness of the comment as a response.

quick observation

Focuses on the speed and perceptive nature of the comment.

uncharacteristic remark

Emphasizes the departure from the usual behavior or thought process.

involuntary expression

Highlights the lack of conscious control over the comment.

FAQs

How can "reflexive comment" be used in a sentence?

A "reflexive comment" is typically used to describe an immediate, often unconsidered reaction. For example, "Her "reflexive comment" was to deny everything, even though the evidence was overwhelming".

What's a good alternative to "reflexive comment"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "spontaneous remark", "knee-jerk reaction", or "instinctive response".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "reflexive comment"?

It's appropriate when describing a reaction that is immediate and not deeply thought out, often driven by instinct or emotion. This contrasts with a carefully considered or "reflective comment".

What is the difference between a "reflexive comment" and a "thoughtful comment"?

A "reflexive comment" is an immediate reaction, often without much consideration, while a "thoughtful comment" involves careful deliberation and consideration of various aspects before being expressed.