a necessary reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a necessary reminder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the importance of recalling or being aware of something essential. Example: "As we approach the deadline, I want to send out a necessary reminder to everyone about the submission requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The endless massacres can be numbing, but a necessary reminder of long-suppressed horror.

Independent

A necessary reminder that Internet Explorer is still a strong presence on the web.

The Guardian

(This is perhaps a necessary reminder of our mortality, given how slowly time passes while watching "Primo Toccare").

The New York Times - Arts

It serves as a necessary reminder that she wasn't always playing a dizzy blonde, something that's often forgotten.

The Guardian - Film

The title track off Cool J's fourth album, it's a necessary reminder that the rapper did good things before Luv U Better.

The Guardian - Music

The book is a necessary reminder of the way travel can open up not only the mind but also the heart.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But it offers a vigorous, necessary reminder of how racist reaction bred an American terrorism that suppressed black political activity and crushed Reconstruction in the South.

The New York Times - Books

"Something For Nothing" is a powerful and necessary reminder that it is truly an art form.

Huffington Post

Citing "the names that are being kicked about in the US media"—including Trump's selection of Myron Ebell to oversee the EPA transition team Sachs expounds a stern but necessary reminder of the battle ahead.

Vice

A stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a necessary, sobering reminder.

The Washington Post

The Warrior has been plagued by lower-body injuries all his career, and a pair of scares early in the 2016 playoffs served as a necessary, timely reminder at how tenuous his time on the court really is.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a necessary reminder", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being recalled and why it's essential. Be specific to maximize the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a necessary reminder" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a necessary reminder" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies or renames a noun by emphasizing the importance of recalling specific information. Ludwig examples show how it introduces essential points.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

24%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a necessary reminder" serves to emphasize the importance of recalling something essential, with Ludwig AI confirming its correct usage. It functions primarily as a noun phrase, often in news and media, but also appearing in scientific and academic contexts. While alternatives like "an important reminder" or "a crucial reminder" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of emphasis. To maximize impact, be specific and avoid overuse. Although "a necessary reminder" is applicable in many situations, be mindful of its specific function and make sure that the reminder is indeed necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important reminder

Replaces "necessary" with "important", softening the emphasis on the requirement.

a crucial reminder

Substitutes "necessary" with "crucial", strengthening the sense of urgency and importance.

an essential reminder

Uses "essential" instead of "necessary", highlighting the fundamental nature of the reminder.

a vital reminder

Replaces "necessary" with "vital", indicating that the reminder is critical for success or well-being.

a key reminder

Substitutes "necessary" with "key", emphasizing that the reminder is a central point.

a valuable reminder

Replaces "necessary" with "valuable", highlighting the worth of the reminder.

a pertinent reminder

Substitutes "necessary" with "pertinent", indicating that the reminder is relevant to the current situation.

a timely reminder

Replaces "necessary" with "timely", focusing on the reminder's opportune timing.

a useful reminder

Substitutes "necessary" with "useful", indicating that the reminder is helpful and practical.

a helpful reminder

Replaces "necessary" with "helpful", focusing on the reminder's supportive role.

FAQs

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

You can use "a necessary reminder" to emphasize the importance of recalling something. For instance, "The deadline is approaching, so this email serves as "a necessary reminder" to submit your reports on time."

What are some alternatives to "a necessary reminder"?

Alternatives include "an important reminder", "a crucial reminder", or "a vital reminder", depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "necessary reminder"?

While the phrase is commonly used, consider if the "reminder" is truly necessary. If it is, the phrase is appropriate; otherwise, using just "reminder" might be sufficient.

What's the difference between "a necessary reminder" and "a helpful reminder"?

"A necessary reminder" suggests that the information is essential and must be recalled, whereas "a helpful reminder" indicates that the information is beneficial but not necessarily critical.