a useful reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful reminder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that serves as a helpful prompt or cue to remember important information or actions. Example: "This checklist serves as a useful reminder of all the tasks we need to complete before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A useful reminder, unfortunately.

The New York Times - Books

But there is a useful reminder here.

The New York Times

A useful reminder: Missile defense will not work.

The New Yorker

It's a useful reminder that voting counts, politics counts".

The Guardian - Opinion

(Kevin Keating's 2006 documentary "Giuliani Time" is a useful reminder).

The New Yorker

Because it's a useful reminder that the initial expectations around a deal don't always pan out.

The New York Times

This week's antics of Gove and Johnson are a useful reminder.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just a useful reminder of why this might all sound familiar.

The New Yorker

An emotional response to birdsong is a useful reminder of its relevance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nevertheless, they "serve as a useful reminder that we can always do better," he said.

The New York Times

But Dubs and its persistence is a useful reminder of lingering institutional bias.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a useful reminder" when you want to gently bring an important point back to someone's attention without sounding accusatory or condescending.

Common error

Avoid repeating "a useful reminder" too often in the same paragraph or section. Vary your language with synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful reminder" functions as an introductory phrase or a transitional element. Ludwig AI confirms that it serves to preface information that reinforces, clarifies, or provides a renewed perspective on a particular topic or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a useful reminder" is a versatile phrase that effectively prompts memory and consideration across various contexts. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and common usage are well-established. It functions primarily as an introductory phrase or transitional element, serving to reinforce or clarify previous information. While its register is generally neutral, its application spans news, academic, and professional settings. To maintain reader engagement, it's best to avoid overuse and vary the language with synonyms like "a helpful reminder" or "a valuable reminder".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a helpful reminder

Substitutes "useful" with "helpful", emphasizing the supportive nature of the reminder.

a valuable reminder

Replaces "useful" with "valuable", highlighting the importance of the reminder.

an important reminder

Focuses on the significance of the reminder itself.

a timely reminder

Emphasizes that the reminder is particularly relevant or opportune at the present moment.

a salutary reminder

Indicates that the reminder, though potentially unpleasant, is beneficial or corrective.

a necessary reminder

Indicates that the reminder is essential or unavoidable.

a good reminder

Uses a more general term, "good", to describe the reminder.

a potent reminder

Suggests that the reminder is powerful and effective in prompting thought or action.

a stark reminder

Suggests the reminder is blunt, clear, and potentially unpleasant.

a welcome reminder

Emphasizes that the reminder is pleasing and appreciated.

FAQs

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

You can use "a useful reminder" to introduce a point that reinforces or clarifies something previously stated. For example, "The recent economic downturn is "a useful reminder" of the importance of fiscal responsibility."

What are some alternatives to "a useful reminder"?

You can use alternatives like "a helpful reminder", "a valuable reminder", or "a timely reminder" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a useful reminder" or "a helpful reminder"?

Both "a useful reminder" and "a helpful reminder" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Useful" emphasizes practicality, while "helpful" emphasizes assistance.

What's the difference between "a useful reminder" and "a stark reminder"?

"A useful reminder" suggests something helpful and constructive, whereas "a stark reminder" implies a harsh or unpleasant truth being brought to light.