served as a reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "served as a reminder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express the idea that something reminded you of something, or provided a reminder to someone. For example, "The old photo served as a reminder of the happy times we had together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This game served as a reminder.

Independent

And the sight served as a reminder of other quirks.

The New York Times

All of which served as a reminder: playwriting is hard!

The New Yorker

At 11 20, an intermission served as a reminder that Libya was still at war.

The New York Times

Indeed, it has served as a reminder of the dangers lurking out there.

The Economist

It also served as a reminder of how the Republicans will really vote on the matter.

The New York Times

And it served as a reminder of how dependent Greece is on outside help.

The New York Times

The 1792 eruption served as a reminder to the Japanese people of Earth's unpredictability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But O'Connor's dry eulogy served as a reminder that it wouldn't stay that way forever.

The New Yorker

It has also served as a reminder of lost lives, Mr. Tocci said.

The New York Times

This served as a reminder of the head-injury history, at that position, on this team.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "served as a reminder" to connect a present event or object to a past event or lesson, creating a sense of continuity and relevance for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "served as a reminder" when the reminding aspect is already obvious. Instead, opt for a more direct statement that emphasizes the core message without stating the obvious function of reminding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "served as a reminder" functions primarily as a transitive verb phrase, where "served as" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the noun phrase "a reminder". It is used to indicate that something has the effect of reminding someone of something else, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "served as a reminder" is a versatile and common way to express that something prompts a memory or realization. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a verb phrase that connects a current event to a past experience, often to highlight a lesson or theme. It is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media sources, although appropriate for diverse registers. When using "served as a reminder", ensure the context truly benefits from explicitly stating the function of reminding to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brought to mind

This alternative refers to a gentle evocation of thought, subtly different from a direct reminder. Implies a softer prompting of memory.

was a stark reminder

Emphasizes the intensity and clarity of the reminder, suggesting it was difficult to ignore. It is a stronger assertion than the original query.

acted as a prompt

Focuses on the function of initiating a memory or action. Different from "served as a reminder" because it emphasizes initiation rather than simple recollection.

functioned as a cue

Highlights the signal aspect, implying a trigger for something else. It's different from simply reminding because it suggests a direct call to action or recall.

highlighted

Implies a drawing of attention to something significant. It brings light to a single thing rather than the whole event.

offered a recollection

Emphasizes the act of remembering itself, rather than the initial prompting event. The phrase focuses on what the reminder made someone do, not on the reason why.

helped one remember

Focuses on the assistance provided in recalling something. It emphasizes the helping aspect more than the act of reminding.

illustrated

Emphasizes the clarity and visualization of the reminder, like a vivid picture being drawn. It focuses on the visual aspect rather than the plain fact of reminding.

gave a sense of

This option conveys an impression rather than a direct reminder, less specific about memory. The meaning differs slightly by focusing on creating an atmosphere rather than prompting an event

stood as a testament

Highlights the enduring quality of the reminder. While "served as a reminder" is a broad term, this alternative talks about an ongoing event.

FAQs

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

You can use "served as a reminder" to connect a current event to a past one, emphasizing a lesson learned or a recurring theme. For example, "The company's recent financial struggles "served as a reminder" of the importance of fiscal discipline".

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

Alternatives include "brought to mind", "acted as a prompt", or "functioned as a cue", each offering a slightly different nuance in conveying the sense of recollection or awareness.

Is it always necessary to use "served as a reminder" or are there times when it's redundant?

It can be redundant if the context already strongly implies that something is acting as a reminder. In such cases, a more direct statement might be more effective. Assess whether explicitly stating the "reminder" function adds value to the sentence.

What's the difference between "served as a reminder" and "was a stark reminder"?

"Served as a reminder" is a general statement about something prompting a memory. "Was a stark reminder" emphasizes the intensity and clarity of the reminder, suggesting it was difficult to ignore and carries a stronger emotional weight.