a timely reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

"a timely reminder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that serves as a reminder for someone to take action or remember something. For example, "This email is a timely reminder to renew your subscription before the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was a timely reminder.

The Economist

It serves as a timely reminder for us all.

The New York Times - Books

It's a timely reminder that mystique is a valuable commodity.

The Guardian - Music

"Today's review is a timely reminder," she said.

The Guardian

It's a timely reminder just what that combination can achieve.

The Guardian - Books

For New Yorkers who take local laws literally, consider this a timely reminder.

The New York Times

The 14th is a timely reminder of what may lie in wait.

The New York Times - Sports

BRITAIN'S ICI is a timely reminder of the difficulties of corporate wheeling and dealing.

The Economist

That was a timely reminder of Latin's unlikely survival and revival as a living language.

The Economist

A timely reminder that risk has its cost, and so must have its price.

The Economist

But the episode does serve as a timely reminder of one thing that is sometimes forgotten.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a timely reminder" when you want to emphasize the opportune moment or relevance of recalling something important. It adds a sense of urgency or appropriateness to the reminder.

Common error

While effective, "a timely reminder" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "a pertinent reminder" or "a necessary reminder" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a timely reminder" functions as a noun phrase that serves to introduce or emphasize the importance of something needing to be remembered or considered. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a timely reminder" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively highlights the relevance and importance of recalling or considering something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to prompt awareness and action. While versatile, avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "a pertinent reminder" or "a helpful reminder" to maintain engagement. The phrase's effectiveness stems from its ability to emphasize the opportune moment for reflection or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a convenient reminder

Replaces "timely" with "convenient", suggesting the reminder is well-suited or appropriate for the current situation.

a pertinent reminder

Substitutes "timely" with "pertinent", indicating the reminder is directly relevant to the matter at hand.

a fitting reminder

Replaces "timely" with "fitting", suggesting the reminder is appropriate or suitable.

a helpful reminder

Changes "timely" to "helpful", focusing on the beneficial aspect of the reminder.

a useful reminder

Substitutes "timely" with "useful", highlighting the practical value of the reminder.

a necessary reminder

Replaces "timely" with "necessary", implying the reminder is essential or indispensable.

a crucial reminder

Changes "timely" to "crucial", emphasizing the critical importance of the reminder.

a gentle reminder

Adds a softer tone by using "gentle" instead of "timely", suggesting a less forceful reminder.

a stark reminder

Replaces "timely" with "stark", conveying a more forceful and unavoidable reminder.

a welcome reminder

Changes "timely" to "welcome", suggesting the reminder is positively received.

FAQs

What does "a timely reminder" mean?

It means something serves as an appropriate or well-timed cue to remember or consider something important. It suggests the reminder is particularly relevant or necessary at the current moment.

How to use "a timely reminder" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce or emphasize the importance of recalling something. For example, "The recent events are "a timely reminder" of the fragility of peace."

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

You can use alternatives like "a pertinent reminder", "a fitting reminder", or "a helpful reminder" depending on the specific context.

Is "a timely reminder" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in news and professional writing.