as a sharp reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a sharp reminder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance of a particular point or lesson that should not be forgotten. Example: "The recent events served as a sharp reminder of the need for better safety protocols in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Wednesday's deaths served as a sharp reminder of the casualties borne by America's allies in the Afghan war.

The New York Times

It also serves as a sharp reminder to politicians that life for Bolivia's poorest urgently needs to improve.Economic migration is nothing new.

The Economist

Taken together, the four pieces of the suite serve as a sharp reminder of Prince's eccentricity, and how he had, at all times, a surfeit of ideas.

The New Yorker

The judge in the Del Monte case didn't set any grand new precedent and Barclays wasn't even a defendant, but the strongly worded ruling served as a sharp reminder that conflicts matter — potentially legally as well as ethically.

The New York Times

The act of random brutality, at 42nd Street and Madison Avenue, drew national news coverage and served as a sharp reminder that the city's falling crime rate hardly meant immunity from violence.

The New York Times

For some, the imminent blizzard of damehoods, knighthoods and other honours for Britain's medal winners in Rio will serve as a sharp reminder that John Surtees – the only man in history to have won world championships on two and four wheels – continues, at 82, to be denied the title bestowed upon Sir Jackie Stewart and Sir Stirling Moss, not to mention Sir Philip Green.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But for all its good news, the World Bank report is still a kick in the balls to India that should make it look at how to get its infrastructural and social services together to match its citizens' growing incomes, just as much as it's a sharp reminder to America to consider where we sit in terms of the global scale of class mobility.

Vice

That translates as "Love of the Fatherland" for the English-speaking descendants of African slaves who inhabit this Caribbean archipelago, as if they needed a sharp reminder that they must be loyal to distant Bogotá.

The New York Times

But if the victims, found after a raid on a ranch in Tamaulipas State by Mexican naval units, are confirmed as migrants, their killings would provide a sharp reminder of the violence in human smuggling as well.

The New York Times

Now, some at least of those sentences will probably be commuted but the Sisi era is beginning with a sharp reminder that he is as ready as Nasser to flex the muscles of the state.

BBC

As it is, Americans visiting here get a sharp reminder of how far the dollar has fallen whenever they see a familiar item.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a sharp reminder" to introduce a fact or event that highlights the importance of something, especially when there's a risk of forgetting it.

Common error

Avoid using "as a sharp reminder" in informal settings. The phrase carries a degree of formality and should be reserved for more serious or professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a sharp reminder" functions as an introductory phrase or an adverbial phrase. It modifies the main clause by indicating the purpose or effect of an event or situation, serving to emphasize the importance of something that should not be forgotten, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a sharp reminder" is a grammatically sound phrase that serves to emphasize the importance of a particular point or lesson. It functions as an introductory or adverbial phrase, often found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's best suited for professional or serious situations, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Consider alternatives such as "as a stark reminder" or "as a vivid reminder" to vary your writing. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively incorporate "as a sharp reminder" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a vivid reminder

Changes the intensity of the reminder, emphasizing clarity and strong impact.

as a stark reminder

Emphasizes the blunt and unavoidable nature of the reminder.

as a potent reminder

Highlights the power and effectiveness of the reminder.

as a forceful reminder

Focuses on the strength and impact of the reminder.

as a clear reminder

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the reminder.

as a timely reminder

Highlights the appropriateness of the reminder's timing.

as an important reminder

Underlines the significance of what is being remembered.

as a necessary reminder

Implies the reminder is essential or indispensable.

as a critical reminder

Stresses the crucial nature of the reminder.

as a significant reminder

Highlights the notable importance of the reminder.

FAQs

How can I use "as a sharp reminder" in a sentence?

You can use "as a sharp reminder" to introduce a statement that emphasizes the importance of not forgetting something, for example, "The recent market crash served as a sharp reminder of the risks involved in investing."

What's a good alternative to "as a sharp reminder"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "as a stark reminder", "as a vivid reminder", or "as a potent reminder". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the reminder's impact.

Is it appropriate to use "as a sharp reminder" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as a sharp reminder" is generally more suitable for formal or professional writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "it's important to remember" or "let's not forget".

What makes "as a sharp reminder" different from "as a gentle reminder"?

"As a sharp reminder" indicates a forceful or impactful reminder, often used when something important is at risk of being overlooked. "As a gentle reminder" implies a milder, less urgent reminder, often used for routine or minor matters.