was a reflection of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was a reflection of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something serves as a representation or manifestation of another thing, often in terms of thoughts, feelings, or characteristics. Example: "Her artwork was a reflection of her inner struggles and triumphs throughout her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a reflection of me, young.

The New York Times - Magazine

But his success was a reflection of deeper trends.

The New York Times

It was a reflection of José's feeling for football.

The Guardian - Sport

Becoming biodynamic was a reflection of that faith.

Independent

Such sniping was a reflection of Brooke's acerbic personality.

The New York Times - Books

Politically, The Shop was a reflection of the times.

The Guardian - Arts

That putt was a reflection of his day.

The New York Times - Sports

But on balance his success was a reflection of deeper trends.

The New York Times

It was a reflection of the fear I live with, that I fight against.

The Washington Post

He and his music became indivisible: it was a reflection of his inner turmoil.

The Guardian - Music

The scene was a reflection of the deep divide within the Trump administration over Paris.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using this phrase to highlight a cause-and-effect relationship, where the 'reflection' is the result of something more profound. For example: "The high crime rate was a reflection of the deep-seated social inequalities in the city."

Common error

Avoid using "was a reflection of" when the subject is too vague or abstract. Ensure the subject has a clear and definable connection to what it's reflecting. Instead of saying "The situation was a reflection of life", be more specific like, "The economic downturn was a reflection of the global financial crisis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was a reflection of" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject to a noun phrase or adjective phrase, indicating that the subject represents or manifests the qualities or characteristics described by the complement. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase highlights a cause-and-effect relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was a reflection of" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something represents or manifests something else. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. It serves to explain or interpret a situation by linking it to underlying causes or characteristics. While generally neutral to formal, it's crucial to use the phrase precisely, ensuring a clear and logical connection between the subject and its 'reflection'. By avoiding vague subjects and considering alternative phrases when appropriate, you can effectively convey nuanced meanings and enhance the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mirrored

This verb directly conveys the idea of something resembling or showing something else, often in a visual or figurative sense.

was indicative of

This phrase implies that something served as a sign or indication of something else, highlighting the informative aspect.

represented

This verb emphasizes that something stood for or symbolized something else, focusing on the symbolic meaning.

epitomized

This verb indicates that something was a perfect example or embodiment of something else, suggesting a high degree of representation.

embodied

This verb implies that something gave a concrete form to an abstract idea or quality, highlighting the tangible representation.

showcased

This verb suggests that something displayed or highlighted particular qualities or characteristics, focusing on the demonstrative aspect.

illustrated

This verb indicates that something made something else clearer or more understandable, emphasizing the explanatory function.

demonstrated

This verb implies that something proved or showed something else to be true, focusing on the evidentiary aspect.

revealed

This verb suggests that something uncovered or made something else known, highlighting the revealing aspect.

suggested

This verb indicates that something hinted at or implied something else, focusing on the subtle indication.

FAQs

How can I use "was a reflection of" in a sentence?

Use "was a reflection of" to show that something represents or indicates something else. For example, "The company's success "was a reflection of" its innovative strategies".

What's a synonym for "was a reflection of"?

Alternatives include "was indicative of", "represented", or "mirrored". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "was a reflection of" or "showed"?

"Was a reflection of" implies a deeper connection or representation, while "showed" is more straightforward. Use "was a reflection of" when you want to emphasize that something is indicative of underlying qualities or circumstances. For example, Her outfit "was a reflection of" her current mood versus Her outfit showed her current mood.

When is it inappropriate to use "was a reflection of"?

Avoid using "was a reflection of" if the connection between the two elements is weak or unclear. In such cases, a more direct verb like "was" or "indicated" may be more suitable. Instead of "The event "was a reflection of" the day", try The event happened that day.