a sharp reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp reminder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a strong or clear reminder about something important or significant. Example: "The sudden change in weather served as a sharp reminder that winter was approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a sharp reminder of mortality".

The New York Times - Magazine

Hopefully, the Essex punishment will give everyone a sharp reminder.

Independent

Unraveling would provide a sharp reminder of the calamities.

The New York Times

The fate of Kadima is a sharp reminder of how quickly voters can tire of renegades.

The Economist

A sharp reminder for the powers-that-be to value their journalists.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's a sharp reminder to see his wheelchair dragging laboriously through soil or sand.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But developments like Amazon Go are a sharp reminder of how hollow such promises are.

The Guardian

That would be a sharp reminder for the president that the fight in 2004 could be bruising.

The Economist

Wednesday's deaths served as a sharp reminder of the casualties borne by America's allies in the Afghan war.

The New York Times

But for Mr. Cameron, the episode was a sharp reminder of how tenuous his hold on power could be.

The New York Times

The air travel crisis, she said, was a sharp reminder of "how vulnerable we are" to sudden disruptions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp reminder" to emphasize the sudden or impactful nature of recalling something, particularly when there's a risk of forgetting or overlooking it. For instance, "The unexpected rainfall was "a sharp reminder" of the changing seasons."

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp reminder" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "stark", "vivid", or "potent", or rephrase the sentence to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp reminder" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or appositive to highlight the significance of a particular event or situation. It describes something that prompts a strong recollection or awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sharp reminder" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the importance of recalling something significant. Ludwig AI analysis, based on a wide range of examples, confirms its frequent use in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "a potent reminder" or "a vivid reminder" to maintain variety in your writing. Remember to use it when you want to convey a sudden or impactful recalling of something, especially in situations where forgetting or overlooking it could have consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a potent reminder

Replaces "sharp" with "potent", suggesting a reminder that is powerful and effective.

a strong reminder

Substitutes "sharp" with "strong", indicating a forceful and impactful reminder.

a vivid reminder

Uses "vivid" instead of "sharp", highlighting the clarity and detail of the reminder.

a stark reminder

Replaces "sharp" with "stark", emphasizing the blunt and unavoidable nature of the reminder.

a clear warning

Shifts the focus to the warning aspect of the reminder, suggesting potential consequences.

a timely reminder

Adds the element of timing, suggesting the reminder is particularly relevant or opportune.

a necessary reminder

Highlights the importance and indispensability of the reminder.

a wake-up call

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a sudden and impactful realization.

a moment of realization

Focuses on the act of understanding or becoming aware of something.

something to consider

Presents the information as something to be contemplated or taken into account.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp reminder" to emphasize the importance of recalling something significant. For instance, "The accident served as "a sharp reminder" of the need for caution".

What can I say instead of "a sharp reminder"?

You can use alternatives like "a potent reminder", "a strong reminder", or "a vivid reminder" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a sharp reminder" or "a strong reminder"?

Both "a sharp reminder" and "a strong reminder" are correct, but "sharp" suggests a sudden or particularly impactful recalling, while "strong" emphasizes the forcefulness of the reminder.

Can "a sharp reminder" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a sharp reminder" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news articles and reports, as it clearly and concisely conveys the significance of the reminder.