a harsh reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

"a harsh reminder" is correct and usable in written English and can be used to refer to something that serves to sharply bring back awareness of a fact or feeling that someone might not want to think about or be reminded of.
Example sentence: His words were a harsh reminder of the tragedy that had occurred years earlier.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Steubenville is a harsh reminder of the alternative.

The New York Times

"It's just a harsh reminder that the worldwide economy continues to disappoint," Mr. Detrick said.

The New York Times

His somber appearance was a harsh reminder of the Mets' poor luck with injuries this season.

The New York Times - Sports

A death last year was a harsh reminder that the surgical risks are real.

The New York Times

It is a harsh reminder of how bad the situation remains and of how decentralisation matters not only to Bangkok.

The Economist

This summer's drought is a harsh reminder of how the lack of water makes energy production harder across the board.

MIT Technology Review

The juxtaposition of Brown's announcement and Amer's death is a harsh reminder of what is at stake.

The Guardian - Opinion

The sad absence of Jonathan Trott was a harsh reminder of the imminent need to reshape an ageing team.

The Guardian - Sport

International tribunals can be a harsh reminder that injustice and unfairness are not incompatible with humanist intentions.

The New Yorker

This report, from Deborah Kavakos of Stoneledge Farm — a CSA in the Greene County, N.Y., town of Cairo — is a harsh reminder that farming is a risky business.

The New York Times

For many, Robinson's death was a harsh reminder that their city is not the progressive utopia it sometimes styles itself to be.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a harsh reminder" to emphasize the unwelcome or difficult nature of the fact being brought to attention. It's best suited for situations where the audience might prefer to ignore or forget the reality being highlighted.

Common error

Avoid using "a harsh reminder" in situations that are already inherently dramatic or emotionally charged. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider using more subtle language in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a harsh reminder" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies or renames a noun, emphasizing the unpleasant or unwelcome nature of the reminder. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a harsh reminder" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to emphasize an unwelcome truth or fact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, followed by Formal & Business settings, and serves to bring attention to potentially unpleasant realities, prompting reflection or action. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in overly dramatic contexts to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "a stark warning" or "a grim reality check" to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grim reality check

Emphasizes the sobering effect of acknowledging a difficult situation.

a rude awakening

Implies a sudden and unpleasant realization that shatters a previously held illusion.

a wake-up call

Suggests a sudden realization of a problem that needs immediate attention.

a stark warning

Replaces 'reminder' with 'warning', emphasizing the cautionary aspect.

a sharp jolt

Conveys a sudden and forceful reminder of something.

a bitter truth

Highlights the unpleasant nature of the truth being revealed.

a sobering thought

Highlights the serious and thoughtful contemplation prompted by the reminder.

a painful lesson

Substitutes 'reminder' with 'lesson', focusing on the learning aspect derived from a negative experience.

an unpleasant surprise

Emphasizes the unexpected and unwelcome nature of the reminder.

a tough lesson to learn

Focuses on the difficulty and impact of the lesson being learned.

FAQs

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

You can use "a harsh reminder" to introduce an unwelcome fact or reality that one might prefer to ignore. For example, "The economic downturn was a harsh reminder of the fragility of the market."

What phrases are similar to "a harsh reminder"?

Similar phrases include "a stark warning", "a grim reality check", or "a wake-up call", each highlighting different aspects of a negative realization.

Is it appropriate to use "a harsh reminder" in formal writing?

Yes, "a harsh reminder" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when addressing serious or critical issues. It's commonly found in news articles, business reports, and academic papers.

What's the difference between "a harsh reminder" and "a painful reminder"?

"A harsh reminder" emphasizes the unwelcome and perhaps difficult-to-accept nature of the fact, while "a painful reminder" focuses on the emotional distress caused by remembering something unpleasant. While their meanings overlap, the emphasis differs slightly.