to reflect

USAGE SUMMARY

"to reflect" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to mean to think carefully about something, or to show an image of something. Example: I take time every day to reflect on my successes and failures.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He needs to reflect.

The New York Times - Sports

Wechsler pauses to reflect.

The New Yorker

You have to reflect that".

The New York Times

Take a day to reflect.

The New York Times

Time to reflect.

The Guardian - Sport

The number appears to reflect reality.

The New York Times - Sports

Enrollment is supposed to reflect local demographics.

The New York Times

He needs to reflect on that situation.

Independent

He could use some time to reflect.

The Economist

"It gives you time to reflect.

The New York Times - Science

Opinion polls here appear to reflect that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to reflect" when you want to convey the idea of thinking deeply about something or showing a likeness. Ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning, whether it's contemplation, mirroring, or representation.

Common error

Avoid using "to reflect" excessively in formal writing when simpler alternatives like "to show" or "to indicate" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to reflect" functions as a verb, primarily indicating an action of thinking deeply or representing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound construction used to express contemplation or representation. For instance, "He needs to reflect" signifies a need for introspection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to reflect" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to convey introspection, representation, or mirroring. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also present in Wiki and Science sources, "to reflect" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, consider the specific context to ensure the intended meaning is clear, whether it's thinking deeply or showing a likeness. While alternatives like "to contemplate" or "to mirror" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overuse in formal writing to maintain clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to contemplate

Focuses more on deep thinking and consideration.

to consider

Emphasizes careful thought and evaluation.

to ponder

Highlights a more thoughtful and deliberate reflection.

to mirror

Emphasizes the act of showing a likeness or representation.

to indicate

Focuses on showing or pointing out something, often indirectly.

to represent

Stresses the act of standing for or symbolizing something.

to demonstrate

Emphasizes proving or showing something clearly.

to mull over

Highlights prolonged and careful thinking.

to meditate

Focuses on deep, spiritual contemplation.

to ruminate

Implies a deep and often anxious thought process.

FAQs

How can I use "to reflect" in a sentence?

You can use "to reflect" to mean thinking deeply about something, as in, "He needs "to reflect" on his actions". Alternatively, it can mean showing a likeness, as in, "The window was there "to reflect" his image".

What are some alternatives to "to reflect"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to contemplate", "to consider", or "to mirror". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to reflect on" or simply "to reflect"?

Both are correct, but "to reflect on" often emphasizes the act of thinking deeply about a specific topic or event. "To reflect" can also mean to show an image or likeness, so context is key to understanding the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "to reflect" and "to refract"?

"To reflect" means to bounce back light or to think deeply. "To refract", on the other hand, means to bend light as it passes through a medium. They are related to light but have different meanings.