a solemn reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

'a solemn reminder' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to something that serves as a reminder to stay mindful of something, usually with a sense of solemnity or seriousness. Example sentence: His speech was a solemn reminder of the importance of justice and equality.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A solemn reminder – and not just of the tragic but also the inspirational.

The Guardian - Music

The Sundance Conundrum offers film-makers and distributors a solemn reminder about the pitfalls of treacherous theatrical distribution.

The Guardian - Film

The usually carefree atmosphere was this year marked with a solemn reminder of the recent Charlie Hedbo attack in Paris.

The Guardian

The terrorist attacks that occurred over the weekend in Paris are a solemn reminder of the reach and strength of ISIS and their agents.

Independent

Such a backlash is not to be taken lightly; the Salman Rushdie affair is a solemn reminder of the power of an angry Muslim community.

The Guardian

The events that caused this scene were tragic and sad, but the display as these two bitter rivals were about to play was a solemn reminder of what makes college athletics so extraordinarily special — the overwhelming sense of community, spirit and pride they embody.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The past few weeks have been a particularly solemn reminder of the problems the fashion industry continues to face regarding its impact on the environment.

Forbes

In 1990 the people of Budapest made the decision to uproot these gigantic solemn reminders of the past and put them all in one area outside of the city for people to visit.

The Guardian - Travel

The lessons that should have been learned from the genocide in Rwanda and incidence of recent genocides committed in Srebrenica, Kosovo, Darfur and now Syria and Iraq are solemn reminders that "Never Again" has yet to be fully realized and much remains to be learned from the survivors of such atrocious acts.

Huffington Post

It was a solemn but spirited reminder of the unifying power of music.

The Guardian - Music

A tattered Chilean flag, pulled from the devastation, has flown near the team's training camp as a solemn and inspiring reminder.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a solemn reminder", ensure the context aligns with a serious or important message. It's suitable when highlighting significant events, potential dangers, or critical lessons learned.

Common error

Avoid using "a solemn reminder" in lighthearted or trivial situations. Its gravitas can feel out of place if the context doesn't warrant such seriousness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a solemn reminder" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or appositive. Ludwig AI highlights that it introduces a concept or event meant to inspire serious contemplation and reflection. Examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a solemn reminder" is a noun phrase that functions to emphasize the gravity and importance of a concept or event. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for formal contexts. While it's frequently found in news and media, it's essential to avoid overusing it in trivial situations. Consider alternatives like "a serious warning" or "a poignant reminder" to fine-tune the message. Using "a solemn reminder" effectively involves aligning its gravitas with the seriousness of the topic at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grim reminder

Emphasizes the unpleasant or depressing nature of what is being remembered.

a serious warning

Emphasizes the potential negative consequences if the reminder is ignored.

a sobering thought

Emphasizes the serious and contemplative nature of the reminder.

a stark warning

Stresses the blunt and unavoidable nature of the warning.

a grave lesson

Highlights the importance and seriousness of the lesson learned.

a poignant reminder

Highlights the emotional impact and relevance of the reminder.

an important lesson

Focuses on the significance and value of the lesson.

a harsh reality

Highlights the unpleasantness and inescapability of the situation.

a troubling sign

Highlights the potential for concern or worry.

a humbling lesson

Focuses on the ability of the lesson to make one feel modest or respectful.

FAQs

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

You can use "a solemn reminder" to introduce a serious point or lesson, as in "The anniversary of the tragedy serves as "a solemn reminder" of the fragility of peace".

What's a good alternative to "a solemn reminder"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "a grave lesson", "a serious warning", or "a poignant reminder" to convey a similar sentiment.

Is it appropriate to use "a solemn reminder" in a casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a solemn reminder" is more suitable for formal or serious contexts. In casual conversation, a simpler phrase might be more appropriate.

What feeling or tone does "a solemn reminder" convey?

The phrase "a solemn reminder" typically conveys a sense of gravity, importance, and reflection, often in the context of something serious or tragic.