a visible reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a visible reminder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that serves as a clear indication or prompt of a particular idea, event, or memory. Example: "The photograph on the wall serves as a visible reminder of our family vacation last summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

According to Hall, the bats "are more symbolic than anything"—a visible reminder that instead of just doing their jobs for meager pay, teachers are now expected to protect their classrooms from active shooters.

Vice

"But it is an option, and something we want people to be aware of". According to Hall, the bats "are more symbolic than anything"—a visible reminder that instead of just doing their jobs for meager pay, teachers are now expected to protect their classrooms from active shooters.

Vice

It's a visible reminder of the price that the country has paid".

Independent

The men who had survived the surgeon's knife were a visible reminder of the Civil War for decades.

The New York Times

One of those peaks, Mount Baker, stands as a visible reminder of climate change in the area.

The Guardian

When our community encountered difficult issues, especially regarding race, he was a visible reminder of the ethical core of MIT's technical education.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

At the least, the Rotunda is a highly visible reminder of a man who made history 62 years ago by signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

The New York Times - Sports

Unlike sending an e-mail, a card is an obvious, visible reminder of your thoughtfulness.

WikiHow

Each message sitting there should serve as a stark, visible reminder of your undisciplined ways.

The New York Times - Tech

But Breakfast could provide a more visible reminder that the corporation's national output does not all emanate from London.

Independent

Kazimierz is where you find the latest bars and clubs, trendy restaurants and offbeat boutiques opening up, alongside a very visible reminder of Jewish culture and religion that was all but obliterated during the Holocaust.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a visible reminder" to emphasize the tangible or easily observable nature of something that prompts a memory, understanding, or action. For instance, "The old photograph served as a visible reminder of their childhood friendship."

Common error

Avoid using "a visible reminder" too frequently in your writing. While effective, overuse can make your prose repetitive. Consider alternative phrases like "a clear indicator" or "a potent symbol" to maintain variety and reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a visible reminder" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something as a tangible or easily perceptible cue that brings something else to mind. Ludwig AI confirms its common and grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

The Guardian - Opinion

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a visible reminder" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes something serving as a tangible or easily perceived cue to recall something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears frequently in contexts such as news, formal business, and scientific writing. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives such as ""a clear indicator"" or ""a tangible reminder"". When using the phrase, ensure it emphasizes the connection between the observed element and its related memory or concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear indicator

Focuses on the act of pointing something out clearly, stronger emphasis on clarity.

an obvious sign

Highlights the conspicuousness and ease of recognition, lacks the depth of a reminder.

a potent symbol

Emphasizes the symbolic power and representation, less on the obviousness.

a constant prompt

Stresses the continuous nature of the reminder, while "visible" highlights the sensory aspect.

a telling sign

Indicates that something reveals or betrays information implicitly.

a living testament

Emphasizes the enduring and active demonstration of something.

a stark manifestation

Indicates a clear and often harsh demonstration of something.

a graphic illustration

Highlights a clear and detailed depiction, where 'visible' emphasizes observation.

a constant echo

Stresses the repeating nature and indirectness of the reminder, not necessarily visual.

a blatant display

Focuses on the overt and often showy presentation.

FAQs

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

Use "a visible reminder" to describe something that serves as a clear and noticeable prompt. For example, "The empty chair was a visible reminder of his absence".

What phrases are similar to "a visible reminder"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear indicator", "an obvious sign", or "a tangible reminder", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "visible reminder" since reminders are usually meant to be noticed?

While reminders often aim to be noticeable, "visible" emphasizes that the reminder is something that can be seen, clarifying the type of reminder being referenced.

What's the difference between "a visible reminder" and "a vivid reminder"?

"A visible reminder" emphasizes the physical aspect of being seen, while "a vivid reminder" suggests a strong and clear memory or image in the mind.