try to reflect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to reflect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to think deeply or consider their thoughts and feelings about a particular subject or experience. Example: "In order to grow from this experience, I encourage you to try to reflect on what you've learned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And the BBC needs to try to reflect that.

The Guardian

We try to reflect the diversity of their experience.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We try to reflect these off-balance-sheet obligations in our assessments.

The New York Times

Our funding distribution has to try to reflect this impossible situation, and right now it's struggling.

The Guardian - Opinion

I try to reflect all the way back to the trade.

The New York Times - Sports

"We try to reflect what happens on the ground," said Susan Chira, the foreign editor.

The New York Times

Try to reflect the dress style of the office in your own attire.

The Guardian

And every day I try to reflect back what you displayed.

The New York Times

Try to reflect upon the last or the most memorable time you felt positive empathy with them.

University of California, Berkeley

"But in a drawing, I can try to reflect a little more of what they are really feeling".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If your boss sits in a cubicle, check out that one first, and try to reflect--or at least not clash with--its decorating sensibility.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject trying to reflect something is clearly defined. Clarity in subject-verb agreement improves readability and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "try to reflect" is widely accepted, excessive use in formal writing can make your tone sound less authoritative. Instead, opt for stronger verbs like "demonstrate", "illustrate", or "embody" to convey confidence and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to reflect" functions as a verb phrase indicating an attempt or effort to represent something accurately or to deeply consider something. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use across various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

16%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to reflect" is a versatile phrase that denotes an attempt to either accurately represent something or to engage in deep thought and consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, academic writing, and general online content. While its neutral register makes it suitable for most writing styles, stronger verbs may be preferable in highly formal settings. Remember to ensure clarity in subject-verb agreement and to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when choosing this phrase. By avoiding overuse and opting for synonyms like "strive to represent" or "make an effort to portray" when appropriate, you can enhance the effectiveness and precision of your writing. The phrase "try to reflect" is more than acceptable; it's a common and correct way to express the act of considering or representing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to mirror

Replaces "reflect" with "mirror", emphasizing a direct and accurate representation.

endeavor to capture

Uses "endeavor" instead of "try", suggesting a serious effort to "capture" or represent something accurately.

strive to represent

Emphasizes the effort to "represent" something, implying a conscious attempt to portray it.

make an effort to portray

Focuses on the "effort" involved in "portraying" something, highlighting the intentionality.

seek to emulate

Instead of reflecting, this suggests aiming to "emulate" or imitate something closely.

aim to embody

Suggests an "aim" to "embody" or fully represent a quality or idea.

aspire to demonstrate

Focuses on "demonstrating" something, highlighting the intention to make it visible or apparent.

work to convey

Emphasizes the "work" involved in "conveying" or communicating something effectively.

undertake to illustrate

Suggests a formal "undertaking" to "illustrate" or clarify something.

make an attempt to show

Uses more basic vocabulary to convey the idea of trying to "show" something.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to reflect" to indicate an attempt to represent or consider something, as in "The artist will try to reflect the beauty of nature in her painting" or "We should try to reflect on our mistakes to learn from them".

What can I say instead of "try to reflect"?

You can use alternatives like "attempt to mirror", "strive to represent", or "make an effort to portray" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "try to reflect"?

"Try to reflect" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when you want to express an effort to represent something accurately or to think deeply about something. However, in highly formal settings, stronger verbs might be preferred.

What is the difference between "try to reflect" and "tend to reflect"?

"Try to reflect" suggests a conscious effort to represent or consider something, while "tend to reflect" implies a natural inclination or tendency to represent something without necessarily making a deliberate effort. For instance, "His actions tend to reflect his values" means his values are naturally shown in his actions.