a courtesy reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

"a courtesy reminder" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to politely remind someone of something they need to do, especially if they have already being informed of the task before. For example, "This is a courtesy reminder that your rent payment is due on the 25th of each month".

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the 1950's, an abortive attempt was made to have television stars read courtesy reminders over the loudspeakers.

The New York Times

After three weeks a courtesy call was made to those hospitals who had not returned the survey and two weeks after this a reminder letter was sent.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

It's a courtesy".

The New Yorker

This is a courtesy call.

The New Yorker

It’s a courtesy but also a discipline.”.

Forbes

A courtesy vehicle was provided by the Mazda Wildlife Fund.

BMC Ecology

For many Americans this week, it was at once grisly and lovely to receive a reminder, courtesy of a revenge killing, that American vigor still has its moments.

The New York Times

That brings me to the second bit of news, which was actually more of a reminder, courtesy of an article at Marketplace.

The New Yorker

Just as Giuliani contemplates that important decision comes a reminder, courtesy of the New York tabloids, that political and business relationships can sometimes collide.

Forbes

Sprint uses National CineMedia's network to run what are known as courtesy spots — reminders to silence cellphones — just before the movie (this spring, it added a warning not to text during a movie).

The New York Times

Now the Tory leader has been prodded with an unhelpful reminder of yesteryear, courtesy of an article he penned for The Guardian back in 2002 when he was residing very much on the other side of the economic fence.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a courtesy reminder", ensure the tone of the message remains polite and respectful. Avoid any language that could be perceived as demanding or accusatory.

Common error

Avoid using "a courtesy reminder" excessively, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Try varying your language with more direct or concise reminders when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a courtesy reminder" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce or preface a message that gently prompts someone to remember or fulfill an obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is intended to soften the reminder with a tone of politeness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a courtesy reminder" is a noun phrase used to politely prompt someone to remember an obligation or task. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and its function to soften a direct request. It carries a professional or neutral tone, indicating its suitability in business or official communications where tact is important. Due to the limited number of examples, its frequency of use cannot be precisely assessed, however, its effectiveness lies in its polite approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a polite reminder

Replaces "courtesy" with "polite", maintaining a similar level of formality and intent.

a gentle reminder

Substitutes "courtesy" with "gentle", softening the tone of the reminder.

a friendly reminder

Replaces "courtesy" with "friendly", conveying a more personal and approachable tone.

consider this a reminder

Directly states the intent of the message as a reminder.

just a reminder

Simplifies the phrase by omitting "courtesy", making it more direct but slightly less formal.

kindly remember

Rephrases the notification as a request, shifting the focus from the reminder itself to the action being reminded.

please be reminded

Uses a passive construction to emphasize the recipient's awareness.

a notification

Offers a more generic and formal term, suitable for official communications.

an update

Frames the reminder as providing current information or status.

this is to inform you

A more formal and distanced way of conveying information, suitable for announcements.

FAQs

How can I use "a courtesy reminder" in a sentence?

You can use "a courtesy reminder" to introduce a polite notification about an upcoming deadline, a pending action, or a scheduled event. For example, "This email serves as "a courtesy reminder" that your payment is due next week."

What's a more direct way to say "a courtesy reminder"?

If a less formal tone is appropriate, you could use phrases like "just a reminder" or "don't forget". These alternatives are more concise and can be suitable for internal communications or when reminding someone you know well.

Is "courtesy reminder" always necessary, or can I simply say "reminder"?

While "courtesy reminder" emphasizes politeness, simply using "reminder" is often sufficient, especially if the context already implies a respectful tone. The need for "courtesy" depends on the relationship with the recipient and the sensitivity of the topic.

Are there situations where using "a courtesy reminder" might be inappropriate?

Using "a courtesy reminder" might be seen as overly formal or even passive-aggressive in situations that require a more direct or urgent approach. If the matter is critical or time-sensitive, consider using more direct language to ensure the message is clearly understood.