gently reminding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gently reminding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to prompt someone about something in a soft or considerate manner. Example: "I just wanted to send a gentle reminder about our meeting scheduled for tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Heartbreaking photos of our troops", declares the headline, gently reminding readers to see these images patriotically.

The Guardian - Arts

"I thought, 'Volunteered for Vietnam,"' he said, gently reminding Davis that to add words he would have to subtract.

The New York Times - Magazine

The joke would have lowered expectations while gently reminding his supporters of what he must suspect they already know.

The New York Times - Magazine

He has also been gently reminding them of what to say and what not to say when they are surrounded by security, national figures and cameras.

The New York Times

Underneath it all, I slyly taped a family photo to the box's bottom, gently reminding David whom he was missing (or, more likely, who was missing him).

The New York Times - Travel

As she and Mr. Charlap performed standards on Wednesday, you had the feeling of being in the presence of an empathic sibyl gently reminding you that life goes on.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He gently reminds Bob not to curse.

The New York Times

I gently reminded Vallone of my question.

The New York Times - Magazine

"No, Juan Antonio, you don't," I gently reminded him.

The New York Times - Travel

At its best, PublicStuff gently reminds citizens that cleaning up the city is everyone's job.

The New York Times

"Don't forget this is a comedy film," Afolayan gently reminded him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to be persuasive without being pushy, "gently reminding" is a great choice. It helps to lead people to make decisions without feeling pressured.

Common error

Avoid using "gently reminding" in highly formal or official documents where direct language is preferred. In such cases, consider using more assertive phrases like "please note" or "we would like to remind you".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gently reminding" functions as a present participle phrase, often used to describe an action performed in a considerate or tactful manner. It's utilized to soften the impact of a reminder, as highlighted by Ludwig, making it less assertive. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in diverse contexts, from professional settings to personal interactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gently reminding" is a present participle phrase that conveys a polite and considerate way of prompting someone's memory. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news and media contexts. While highly versatile, it's best to avoid it in very formal or scientific settings where directness is valued. Consider using alternatives like "subtly prompting" or "tactfully indicating" for nuanced meanings, as detailed in the related phrases. Remember to use it to soften potentially critical feedback or to prompt someone without being confrontational. Finally, as a practical suggestion, remember to use this phrase to be persuasive without being pushy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subtly prompting

Replaces "reminding" with "prompting" and "gently" with "subtly", emphasizing the indirect nature of the reminder.

softly suggesting

Uses "suggesting" instead of "reminding", making the action even less direct and more of a hint.

kindly pointing out

Replaces "gently" with "kindly", stressing the benevolent intention behind the reminder.

tactfully indicating

Emphasizes the politeness and consideration involved in the act of reminding.

diplomatically mentioning

Highlights the use of diplomacy in bringing something to someone's attention.

delicately bringing up

Focuses on the careful manner in which a topic is introduced or recalled.

thoughtfully recalling

Shifts the focus to the act of recalling something in a considerate way.

discreetly advising

Emphasizes the private and confidential nature of the reminder or suggestion.

carefully intimating

Uses "intimating" to suggest a more subtle and indirect form of communication.

mildly cautioning

Implies a gentle warning or heads-up, rather than a strict reminder.

FAQs

How can I use "gently reminding" in a sentence?

You can use "gently reminding" to introduce a piece of information or request in a non-confrontational way, such as, "I am "gently reminding" everyone about the upcoming deadline".

What's a more formal alternative to "gently reminding"?

In a formal setting, consider using phrases like "we would like to remind you", "please be advised", or "kindly note" as alternatives to "gently reminding".

How does "gently reminding" differ from "reminding"?

"Gently reminding" implies a softer, more considerate approach than simply "reminding", which can sound more direct or even demanding. The added "gently" emphasizes the tone and intention behind the reminder.

Is "gently reminding" appropriate for all situations?

While "gently reminding" is suitable for many interpersonal and professional contexts where a soft approach is beneficial, it might not be appropriate in situations requiring immediate action or where authority needs to be asserted. Consider the context and audience when choosing your wording.