which reflect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which reflect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause that describes something that mirrors or represents a particular quality, idea, or characteristic. Example: "The results of the survey, which reflect the opinions of the participants, will be published next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That frame is covered with 52,000 Swarovski crystals, which reflect and refract the shifting light.

The New York Times

There are many ways to do that which reflect the wealth level of the tenants".

The New York Times

Things are changing for the school, which reflect our changing community.

The Guardian

Every day new works are written or composed which reflect this changing climate.

The Guardian

All examination systems are artificial constructs which reflect the values and aspirations of society.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, the price of cars, which reflect nearly the entire commodity index, has been weak.

The New York Times - Magazine

Both countries' longer-term debt yields, which reflect higher risk and uncertainty, remain relatively high.

The New York Times

Within that, there are wide variations, which reflect differences in climate, sense and money.

The Economist

This tradition continues in three new novels, two of which reflect Europe's dreadful 20th century.

The Economist

That promotes the formation of clouds, which reflect sunlight back into space.

The Economist

Each house also is organized into standing committees, which reflect the proportions of the parliamentary groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which reflect", ensure the noun it modifies clearly connects to the characteristic or idea being represented. This creates a strong, logical link in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "which reflect" with a subject that cannot logically 'reflect' the intended quality. Ensure the subject has a direct relationship to the quality it is meant to represent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which reflect" functions as a relative clause, specifically a nonrestrictive (or non-essential) clause. This means it provides additional information about the noun it modifies but is not essential to the sentence's core meaning. Ludwig confirms this through its numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which reflect" introduces a nonrestrictive clause that describes how something mirrors or represents a quality or idea. Ludwig AI confirms this common usage and considers it grammatically correct. It is particularly prevalent in science and news media, where it serves to provide additional context by illustrating the nature or essence of a noun. When writing with "which reflect", ensure that the subject logically connects to the attribute being represented to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "that represent" or "that demonstrate" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that demonstrate

Replaces "reflect" with "demonstrate", emphasizing the act of showing or proving something.

that represent

Focuses on the idea of standing for or symbolizing something else.

that indicate

Highlights the role of pointing to or signifying a particular condition or fact.

that mirror

Uses "mirror" to suggest a direct and faithful correspondence.

which illustrate

Uses "illustrate" to emphasize how something clarifies or explains.

that embody

Emphasizes the expression or giving a tangible or visible form to an idea or quality.

that are indicative of

Adds "indicative of" for a more formal tone, signifying something serves as a sign or symptom.

that are a sign of

Focuses on the signalling aspect, where something acts as an omen or indication.

that exemplify

Highlights how something serves as a typical example of a quality or concept.

which are evidence of

Emphasizes the role as proof or support for a claim or condition.

FAQs

How do I use "which reflect" in a sentence?

Use "which reflect" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that describes how something mirrors or represents a particular quality, idea, or characteristic. For example, "The survey results, which reflect public opinion, will be published soon."

What are some alternatives to "which reflect"?

Alternatives include "that represent", "that indicate", or "that demonstrate", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "which reflect"?

While grammatically correct, using "which reflect" can be inappropriate if the subject doesn't logically connect to the quality or idea it's supposed to mirror. Ensure a clear, logical relationship between the subject and what it reflects.

What's the difference between "which reflect" and "which indicate"?

"Which reflect" implies a mirroring or representation of something, while "which indicate" suggests pointing to or signifying something. Use "which indicate" when you mean to signal or point out a specific condition or fact rather than to represent it.