serve as a reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

"serve as a reminder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something will help to remind a person of something. For example, "This plaque will serve as a reminder of our company's hard work over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They still serve as a reminder of tragedy.

The Guardian

But he added that it should serve as a reminder of what really matters.

The New York Times

Two wall clocks serve as a reminder that Myanmar has a time zone of its own.

The Economist

These acts serve as a reminder that the world remains at war with radical Islamic terrorists.

Independent

Perhaps these films serve as a reminder that not everything he touches turns to gold.

Independent

"If it's a happy marriage, they may serve as a reminder to be considerate," he said.

The New York Times

His reappointment should serve as a reminder that things could be much worse.

The New York Times

She thinks the sculptures should serve as a reminder of the country's past.

The Guardian

The death of Heinz Edelmann, yesterday, should serve as a reminder.

The New Yorker

These conventions now just serve as a reminder of what we used to have.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But it does serve as a reminder that the first attempt at estimating employment is far from authoritative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serve as a reminder" to emphasize that something has the specific purpose of prompting memory or attention. For example, use it when pointing out the function of monuments, anniversaries, or repeated actions.

Common error

Avoid using "serve as a reminder" in contexts where the reminder function is already implied. For example, instead of saying "The calendar serves as a reminder of the date", simply state "The calendar shows the date."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as a reminder" functions as a predicative expression, attributing a role or purpose to a subject. Ludwig's examples showcase this in diverse contexts, such as historical events, personal mementos, or routine tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serve as a reminder" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that highlights the mnemonic function of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While versatile, it's essential to avoid redundancy in its usage. This phrase finds prevalence in News & Media, scientific writing, and general discussions, as exemplified by Ludwig. Remember to use it thoughtfully to effectively convey the intention of prompting memory or attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as a prompt

Emphasizes the role of initiating an action or thought, rather than just recalling something.

function as a cue

Highlights the signal-like nature of the phrase, suggesting it triggers a specific response or memory.

stand as a caution

Shifts the focus to warning about potential negative consequences.

provide a warning

Focuses on alerting someone to a potential danger or problem.

help recall

A more direct and simple way of saying that something aids in remembering.

offer a lesson

Implies that the situation or event provides an opportunity for learning.

jog someone's memory

An idiomatic expression that means to stimulate someone's memory.

keep in mind

Emphasizes the importance of not forgetting something.

bear in mind

Similar to "keep in mind", but slightly more formal.

don't forget

A straightforward way to tell someone not to forget something important.

FAQs

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

The phrase "serve as a reminder" indicates that something's purpose is to help someone remember something. For example, "The annual conference will "serve as a reminder" of the importance of teamwork".

What are some alternatives to "serve as a reminder"?

Some alternatives to "serve as a reminder" include "act as a prompt", "function as a cue", or "stand as a caution" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "serve as reminder" or "serve as a reminder"?

"Serve as a reminder" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. The indefinite article "a" is necessary because "reminder" is a countable noun.

What is the difference between "serve as a reminder" and "serve as a warning"?

"Serve as a reminder" indicates that something helps recall information, whereas "serve as a warning" indicates that something alerts to potential danger or negative consequences. The former prompts memory, while the latter prompts caution.