a sharp reminder of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp reminder of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the significance or impact of a particular event or situation that brings something to mind vividly. Example: "The sudden change in weather was a sharp reminder of how quickly nature can turn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a sharp reminder of mortality".

The New York Times - Magazine

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

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

The Guardian

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

Mr Cox said this month's Budget had been a sharp reminder of the importance of using up the ISA allowance.

Independent

Yet the echo was also a sharp reminder of how much is at stake in just 10 days' time.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, like disgraced payday lender Wonga, BrightHouse's appeal is a sharp reminder of the precariousness of many families' lives.

The Guardian

The announcement was a sharp reminder of the surprises that come with being part of a consumer-products giant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp reminder of" to emphasize an important lesson or to highlight the significance of a past event that should not be forgotten.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp reminder of" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "a stark reminder of" or "a poignant reminder of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp reminder of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a clause or statement emphasizing the impact or significance of a particular event or situation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts to highlight crucial lessons or consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp reminder of" is a widely used phrase to emphasize the significance of an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its frequent appearance in News & Media and academic writing. When writing, be mindful of overusing the phrase, and consider using alternatives like "a stark reminder of" or "a poignant reminder of" for variation. Its effectiveness lies in drawing attention to important lessons and consequences, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stark reminder of

This alternative emphasizes the severity or harshness of what is being remembered.

a clear indication of

This alternative focuses on the directness and unambiguity of the sign or signal.

a potent reminder of

This alternative emphasizes the strength and effectiveness of the reminder.

a vivid illustration of

This alternative highlights the clarity and detail of the example that serves as a reminder.

a poignant reminder of

This alternative adds an element of sadness or regret to the memory being evoked.

a telling reminder of

This alternative suggests that the reminder reveals something important or significant.

an unmistakable reminder of

This alternative emphasizes that something cannot be mistaken for something else.

a harsh reminder of

This option underscores an unpleasantness or severity of the information being recalled.

a grim reminder of

This alternative suggests a bleak and depressing tone to the recalled information.

a wake-up call regarding

This alternative suggests a moment of realization or awareness, prompting action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp reminder of" to highlight the importance or impact of something. For example, "The recent economic downturn was a sharp reminder of the need for financial prudence."

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

You can use alternatives like "a stark reminder of", "a clear indication of", or "a poignant reminder of" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a sharp reminder of" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "a sharp reminder of" in formal writing when you want to emphasize a critical lesson or a significant past event. Ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

What is the difference between "a sharp reminder of" and "a gentle reminder of"?

"A sharp reminder of" implies a strong, impactful, and possibly unpleasant recall, while "a gentle reminder of" suggests a mild and courteous nudge to remember something. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and tone.