a potent reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a potent reminder" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts to describe something that serves as a strong and effective reminder of something. It can be used in both formal and informal writing. Example: The smell of freshly baked apple pie always serves as a potent reminder of my grandmother's love and warmth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When the Church of England acts, or the pope speaks, it's a potent reminder".

The Guardian

It is a potent reminder that the world remains not only small but dangerous as well.

The New York Times

It's a potent reminder that art really can be a matter of life and death.

The New Yorker

It was a potent reminder of the quality of Guus Hiddink's side.

The Guardian - Sport

Also, the recent drama with my friend was a potent reminder of just how suffocating a lifelong obligation might be.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a potent reminder of the resilience and patience the locals have mustered to rebuild their community.

The Guardian - Travel

Humor often comes from a place of pain and, as such, is a potent reminder of our humanity.

The New York Times

And it is a potent reminder that artists are a species that is thriving, rather than going extinct.

The New York Times

It's a potent reminder that the ancient art of theatre remains a living artform only through the breathed life of constant reinterpretation.

The Guardian

The film is a potent reminder that in Iran the electoral process has yet to deliver a government responsive to the demands of youth and women.

The New York Times

In an interview on Thursday, he said: "The stairs are a potent reminder of the path to salvation and survival that many people had.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a potent reminder" to emphasize the significant impact or strong message conveyed by something. It's particularly effective when highlighting lessons learned from past events or experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "a potent reminder" multiple times in a single paragraph or short piece. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a stark warning" or "a vivid illustration" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a potent reminder" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies something that effectively brings something else to mind. Ludwig AI shows multiple examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a potent reminder" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the significant impact of something that brings another thing to mind. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it appears most frequently in news and media. When using "a potent reminder", ensure that it genuinely highlights a strong and impactful message. To avoid redundancy, consider using synonyms like "a strong indicator" or "a vivid illustration". By understanding its nuances and context, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a powerful recollection

Emphasizes the strength and vividness of the memory being recalled.

a striking memento

Focuses on the impactful and memorable nature of the object or event serving as the reminder.

a strong indicator

Highlights the suggestive and guiding aspect of the reminder, pointing towards something important.

a forceful prompt

Stresses the compelling and immediate nature of the reminder, urging action or attention.

a vivid illustration

Emphasizes the clarity and detailed nature of the reminder, making it easily understandable.

an unforgettable lesson

Highlights the long-lasting impact and instructive quality of the experience or event.

a significant lesson

This phrase emphasizes importance rather than the strength of the reminder.

a stark warning

This alternative emphasizes the negative consequence that the event reminds us of.

a wake-up call

This idiom suggests a sudden and jarring realization.

a stark truth

Highlights the undeniable nature of the fact that is being brought to attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a potent reminder" to highlight the strong impact of something. For example: "The recent events serve as "a potent reminder" of the importance of preparedness."

What are some alternatives to "a potent reminder"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a strong indicator", "a vivid illustration", or "a stark warning" instead of "a potent reminder".

Is it more appropriate to say "a potent reminder" or "a powerful reminder"?

Both "a potent reminder" and "a powerful reminder" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "potent" emphasizes effectiveness, while "powerful" emphasizes strength.

Can "a potent reminder" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "a potent reminder" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its versatility makes it adaptable to various contexts without sounding out of place.