be reminded of something

USAGE SUMMARY

"be reminded of something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone has been reminded of a memory, a fact, or an item that they had previously forgotten. For example, "As she walked through the park, she was reminded of the time she had gone there with her friends months earlier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It's never nice to be reminded of something that you don't like and you don't enjoy.

Independent

But for the moment, let's set the larger analysis aside, and be reminded of something else.

The New York Times

To see all four operas in one week is to be reminded of something astounding.

The New York Times

We should all be reminded of something we all too often forget.

The Guardian

"I think this explains why the tendency to be reminded of something horrific, for example, eventually diminishes".

The New York Times

English white people now into their middle years will be reminded of something from their own past: isn't this all just a little bit like... well, like punk?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In the end, I was reminded of something incredibly important.

The New York Times

Once more I am reminded of something priestly: a sacrifice.

The Guardian - Books

Hearing this I was reminded of something a friend told me last year.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I was reminded of something Zelaya had told me before the agreement was signed.

The New Yorker

I'm reminded of something I read in James Surowiecki's Financial Page in a recent New Yorker.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be reminded of something" when you want to emphasize that a specific event, object, or statement triggered a memory or realization. It highlights the act of recalling rather than simply knowing.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive constructions like "be reminded". Instead, consider active voice alternatives when possible for more direct and impactful writing such as "It reminded me of..." or "I recalled...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be reminded of something" functions primarily as a passive construction indicating the recollection of a memory, fact, or experience. It often highlights an external trigger that prompts this recollection. Ludwig examples show its use in news and personal reflections.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be reminded of something" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates the act of recalling a memory, fact, or experience, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While considered uncommon, it's frequently seen in News & Media sources. It serves to connect present situations with past events, often triggered by specific stimuli. When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing passive constructions and consider active voice alternatives for stronger writing. Related phrases include "recall something" and "bring something to mind".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be prompted to remember

Highlights the external stimulus that causes the memory.

have something jog one's memory

Describes an external reminder that helps in remembering.

bring something to mind

Emphasizes the spontaneous nature of a memory appearing.

have a memory triggered

Emphasizes the involuntary aspect of recalling a memory.

be caused to recollect

Highlights the cause that leads to remembering.

recall something

Focuses on the act of actively remembering something.

remember something

Is a general term for retrieving a memory.

be made aware of something

Focuses on gaining awareness, with a slight shift in meaning from remembering.

bethink oneself of something

A more formal or archaic way of saying to remember something.

recognize something

Shifts the focus to identifying something already known but not currently in conscious thought.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be reminded of something" to sound more active?

You can use active alternatives such as "I recalled something", "It brought something to mind", or "I remembered something". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's a more formal way to say "be reminded of something"?

A more formal option is to say "be prompted to remember". This emphasizes the external stimulus that triggered the memory or thought.

Is it always necessary to specify what caused me to "be reminded of something"?

While not always necessary, specifying the trigger can add clarity and context to your writing. For instance, "The old photo reminded me of our trip" is more descriptive than simply "I was reminded of something".

What are some phrases similar to "be reminded of something" that focus on involuntary memory?

Phrases like "have a memory triggered" or "something brought it to mind" emphasize the spontaneous nature of recalling the memory, highlighting that it wasn't a conscious effort.