I was reminded

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was reminded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone or something made you remember something. For example: I was reminded of my meeting with the client when I saw their name on my calendar.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was reminded of the movie "Arthur".

The New York Times

I was reminded of Gelana's Olympic victory.

The New York Times

Again, I was reminded of the army.

The New York Times

I was reminded of that tonight.

The New York Times - Sports

I was reminded of that Friday night.

The New York Times - Sports

I was reminded of an Eastwood film, "J.

The New Yorker

In the end, I was reminded of something incredibly important.

The New York Times

I was reminded of walking through Richard Serra's torqued ellipses.

The New York Times - Arts

I was reminded of the impracticality of these physical books.

The New York Times

I was reminded of a family favorite recently.

The New York Times

Expertise, I was reminded, isn't seeing all there is.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was reminded" to connect a current situation or observation to a past experience, memory, or piece of knowledge. This can add depth and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I was reminded" when you simply mean "I remembered". "I was reminded" implies an external trigger or cue prompted the memory, whereas "I remembered" simply means you brought the memory to mind yourself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was reminded" functions as a declarative statement expressing a mental process of recalling something. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the passive voice highlights that the memory was triggered by an external stimulus rather than a conscious effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was reminded" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to connect present observations to past memories or knowledge. According to Ludwig, it's particularly useful for providing context and depth to your writing. While generally neutral in register, it's important not to confuse it with simply "I remembered", as "I was reminded" implies an external trigger. With its frequent appearance in news media and academic writing, mastering the use of "I was reminded" can significantly enhance your communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I recalled that

Directly expresses the act of remembering something from the past.

I had a recollection of

Emphasizes the act of having a memory of something.

It struck me that

Changes the focus to a sudden realization, implying a slightly more immediate impact.

I couldn't help but think of

Indicates an unavoidable association or comparison in one's mind.

It dawned on me that

Highlights a gradual realization or understanding.

It came to my attention that

Shifts the emphasis to something being brought to one's notice, often suggesting new information.

I was made aware that

Highlights that the speaker received information from an external agent, instead of an internal process of remembering.

I became conscious of

Focuses on becoming aware of something, implying a subtle shift in perception.

That put me in mind of

Highlights a more idiomatic or informal connection between two thoughts or experiences.

I bethought myself of

A more archaic and formal way of saying 'I remembered'.

FAQs

How can I use "I was reminded" in a sentence?

Use "I was reminded" to indicate that something specific triggered a memory or thought. For example, "I was reminded of my childhood when I smelled the freshly baked bread".

What's a more formal way to say "I was reminded"?

For a more formal tone, you could say "I recalled that" or "It came to my attention that". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What can I say instead of "I was reminded" to emphasize a sudden realization?

If you want to emphasize a sudden realization, you can use phrases like "It struck me that" or "It dawned on me that". These imply a more immediate and impactful realization.

Is it always necessary to specify what reminded me of something?

While not always necessary, specifying the trigger can make your writing more vivid and engaging. For instance, saying "The old photograph reminded me of my grandfather" provides more context than simply saying "I recalled my grandfather".