a stark reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

"a stark reminder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is a powerful and noticeable reminder of something else. For example, "The pictures of the victims of the shooting were a stark reminder of the tragedy that had just taken place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Cottage is a stark reminder that poverty is gendered.

The Guardian - Opinion

Last week offered a stark reminder of this.

The New York Times

Or, it's a stark reminder that opportunities for those performers are still shamefully scarce.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, Sunday's marathon was a stark reminder that big sporting events can be targets.

The New York Times - Sports

"Today's announcement is a stark reminder of the need for regulators to establish tough, effective standards".

The New York Times

The results were a stark reminder that investing in the bank is a longer game.

The New York Times

I'm not sure we needed more proof, but it's a stark reminder.

The Guardian

"I just think it's a stark reminder of the dangers of police work," he said.

The New York Times

It is a stark reminder of the importance of operational and communications rigour in any organisation.

Independent

But the underwhelming results are a stark reminder of the challenging markets and weak economy.

The New York Times

SAPNA You mean outside of a stark reminder that we're old?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing this phrase, ensure the context provides sufficient background information for the reader to fully grasp the significance of the reminder being presented.

Common error

Avoid using "a stark reminder" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms or rephrase your sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stark reminder" functions primarily as a noun phrase that serves to emphasize the significance of a particular event or situation. It highlights how something acts as a potent signal or lesson, often with negative or serious implications. This aligns with Ludwig AI analysis that the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stark reminder" is a frequently used and grammatically sound noun phrase employed to underscore the critical importance of a lesson or warning derived from a specific event. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a valid and effective phrase. It commonly appears in news and media contexts, highlighting significant issues and urging readers to take note of the lessons presented. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse and ensure the context supports its impactful tone. Related phrases, such as ""a powerful reminder"" or ""a grim lesson"", offer alternatives to maintain writing engagement and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a powerful reminder

Replaces "stark" with "powerful", emphasizing the strength of the reminder.

a clear indication

Shifts from a reminder to an indication, focusing on the clarity of the message.

a potent symbol

Uses "potent symbol" to suggest the reminder represents something larger.

a grim lesson

Focuses on the negative or unpleasant aspect of the reminder.

a sharp lesson

Emphasizes the intensity and directness of the lesson being learned.

an important lesson

Highlights the significance of the lesson conveyed by the reminder.

a cautionary example

Presents the reminder as an example meant to warn others.

a telling sign

Indicates the reminder serves as a sign that reveals underlying truths.

a wake-up call

Highlights the reminder's role in alerting or shocking people into awareness.

a harsh reality

Emphasizes the difficult or unpleasant nature of the situation being reminded.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stark reminder" to emphasize a critical lesson or warning drawn from a specific event or situation. For example, "The empty shelves were "a stark reminder" of the impending food shortage."

What phrases are similar to "a stark reminder"?

Similar phrases include "a powerful reminder", "a clear indication", or "a grim lesson", each carrying slightly different nuances of emphasis or tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "a stark reminder" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In some formal contexts, a more neutral phrase like "a clear indication" may be preferable.

What makes "a stark reminder" different from a simple "reminder"?

The word "stark" adds emphasis, highlighting the blunt or severe nature of the reminder and its implications, thereby making the message more impactful than a simple "reminder".