a small reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small reminder" is a perfectly acceptable and useful phrase in written English.
You can use it to draw someone's attention to a certain point or to remind them of something relatively unimportant. For example, "Just a small reminder that the meeting tomorrow is at 10am."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Their absence was a small reminder of the many injuries that befell the team last season.

The New York Times - Sports

And that's a small reminder that, ultimately, there's no such thing as a full free lunch.

The New York Times - Tech

For Hewson, the piece serves as a small reminder of the continent's struggling masses who remain nameless.

The New York Times

Maggie L. Fox, chief executive of the Climate Reality Project, described the group's billboard response as "a small reminder of who is really on the fringe".

The New York Times

Experiencing such a public display here in the US then becomes a small reminder of how alien an uncircumcised penis can look to some people.

The Guardian - Arts

But this highlight of five short works in Series A, the first installment of Marathon 2008 at the Ensemble Studio Theater, is a small reminder of what we've been missing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

In "The Learners," it's a sweet, small reminder of how words — and type — can fail us.

The New York Times - Books

This link between antibiotics and an unexpected result is another small reminder not to go down that road.

The New York Times

That's precisely why I am willing to accept the eyebrow raises in exchange for this small reminder that I am more than a mom.

Huffington Post

One small reminder could be found at the reception introducing Volume 5, held two weeks ago (coinciding with the 125th anniversary of that pivotal light bulb).

The New York Times

Workers using cheesecloth dipped in soapy water took one year, and $1 million, to scrub the ceiling back to its original state, but purposefully left that small reminder.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small reminder" to gently call attention to something that might have been overlooked, like a deadline or a detail in a project.

Common error

Avoid using "a small reminder" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "a gentle nudge" or "a brief note" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small reminder" functions as a noun phrase acting as an appositive or introductory element, designed to gently introduce information. Ludwig AI confirms its typical usage, serving to subtly draw attention to a detail or request.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

8%

Social Media

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small reminder" is a common and versatile tool for gently prompting attention or memory. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse situations, where the goal is to nudge action without being overly forceful. Alternative phrases like "a gentle nudge" or "a quick heads-up" can add nuance, but the key is to avoid overuse and maintain a natural flow in your writing. Remembering its intended purpose – a soft, unobtrusive prompt – will ensure its effective and appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a friendly pointer

This alternative emphasizes the amicable and helpful nature of the reminder.

a gentle nudge

This alternative uses a metaphor to soften the reminder, implying a subtle prompt.

a soft suggestion

This variation conveys the gentleness and non-imposing quality of the reminder.

a light prompt

This alternative emphasizes the easiness and lack of pressure of the action of reminding.

a brief note

This alternative focuses on the conciseness of the reminder.

a short notice

This focuses on the timing and length of the reminder, implying it is delivered shortly before an event.

a quick heads-up

This phrase is more informal and implies a warning or advance notice.

a subtle cue

This phrase suggests that the reminder is indirect or implied.

a mild suggestion

This alternative presents the reminder as a recommendation rather than a direct instruction.

a passing thought

This suggests the reminder is fleeting or not of great importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small reminder" to introduce something you want to bring to someone's attention gently. For example, "Here's "a small reminder for you": the deadline is next Friday."

What phrases are similar to "a small reminder"?

Similar phrases include "a gentle nudge", "a brief note", or "a quick heads-up", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "a small reminder"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "a small reminder", especially when you want to introduce a piece of information in a non-confrontational way. For example, "A small reminder: please submit your reports by the end of the day."

What's the difference between "a small reminder" and "a strong reminder"?

"A small reminder" implies a gentle, subtle prompt, while "a strong reminder" suggests a more forceful or urgent message. The choice depends on the importance of the information and the desired tone.