a friendly reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

'a friendly reminder' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase can be used when you wish to politely remind someone of something. For example: "Just a friendly reminder that the deadline for the project is tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was, their Web site explains, "a friendly reminder to drink water".

The New York Times - Sports

Just a friendly reminder about Palestine, at the Yonkers Metro North Station.

The New York Times

Mostly it's just a friendly reminder that, you know, the clock is ticking.

The Washington Post

As a friendly reminder, it is turtle season in Southwest Florida".

The New York Times

As Ms. Brooks saw visitors out, she offered a friendly reminder.

The New York Times

Here's a friendly reminder never to challenge an engineer to a pumpkin carving contest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dear Half Sister, I just wanted to shoot you a friendly reminder that Tuesday is Dad's birthday.

The New Yorker

Reminder: Animal Therapy Tomorrow from Noon to 1PM! Just a friendly reminder that it's time for pet therapy!

Cornell University

Should your packed lunch fail to meet that standard, a note will be sent home — a "friendly reminder" to pack better tomorrow.

The New York Times

If the device is put to an ear or raised for a photograph or video, the course marshals are instructed to convey a friendly reminder on the restrictions.

The New York Times

Just a friendly reminder that the deadline to register for graduation is on Friday, May 4th, 2018, at 5 00 p.m. Get your registration info in ASAP!

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When sending "a friendly reminder", make sure your tone is genuinely friendly and helpful. Avoid using it sarcastically or passively aggressively as it can backfire.

Common error

While "a friendly reminder" is useful, overuse can make your communication sound repetitive. Vary your language with alternatives like "just a heads up" or "please remember" to keep your message fresh.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a friendly reminder" functions as an interjection or introductory element in a sentence. It serves to soften the delivery of information, often concerning deadlines, tasks, or obligations. As noted by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and used to politely remind someone of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a friendly reminder" is a versatile phrase for gently prompting someone's memory or attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its usage spans from news and media to academic and professional contexts. To maintain freshness in your communication, consider alternatives like "just a heads up" or "please remember". By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "a friendly reminder" to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a heads up

More informal and colloquial, often used for quick notifications.

a gentle nudge

Implies an even softer, more subtle prompting than "a friendly reminder".

a kind suggestion

Shifts the focus from memory to offering advice in a polite way.

a courteous notification

More formal and emphasizes politeness in the act of informing.

a quick note

Briefly calls attention to something, minimizing the sense of importance.

please remember

Direct imperative form, yet still polite depending on tone.

as a service

Highlights the helpful intent behind the reminder.

don't forget

Direct and slightly less formal than "please remember".

bear in mind

Encourages consideration of something important, often a factor.

a brief clarification

Focuses on clearing up any potential misunderstandings through reminding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a friendly reminder" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases such as "a courteous notification" or "please remember". These alternatives maintain politeness while conveying a more professional tone.

What's a more casual alternative to "a friendly reminder"?

For informal settings, consider using "just a heads up" or "don't forget". These options are more relaxed and suitable for quick communications among colleagues or friends.

How do I ensure my "friendly reminder" doesn't come across as passive-aggressive?

Be genuine in your tone and clearly state the purpose of the reminder without accusatory language. Adding a brief explanation or context can also help avoid misunderstandings. Avoid using it sarcastically.

When is it appropriate to use "a friendly reminder" in email communication?

Use "a friendly reminder" when following up on a task, appointment, or deadline that is approaching. It's best used after an initial communication where the information was already shared, and you're providing a gentle nudge.