stark reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stark reminder" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that serves as a very clear warning or reminder of something unpleasant or difficult to face. For example, "The increasing number of deaths due to coronavirus is a stark reminder of the dangers of this pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That brought on Edwards's stark reminder.

The New York Times - Sports

The CPAC conference will likely be another stark reminder.

The New York Times

The Cottage is a stark reminder that poverty is gendered.

The Guardian - Opinion

Last week offered a stark reminder of this.

The New York Times

Tuesday's filing provided a stark reminder of Mr. Polanski's crime.

The New York Times

Or, it's a stark reminder that opportunities for those performers are still shamefully scarce.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, Sunday's marathon was a stark reminder that big sporting events can be targets.

The New York Times - Sports

"Today's announcement is a stark reminder of the need for regulators to establish tough, effective standards".

The New York Times

The results were a stark reminder that investing in the bank is a longer game.

The New York Times

I'm not sure we needed more proof, but it's a stark reminder.

The Guardian

"I just think it's a stark reminder of the dangers of police work," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stark reminder" when you want to emphasize the severity or seriousness of a past event or current situation, particularly one that serves as a warning or lesson.

Common error

Avoid using "stark reminder" in situations that are only mildly concerning. The phrase carries a strong connotation of seriousness and potential danger, so reserve it for truly significant or impactful situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stark reminder" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or appositive. It serves to characterize a situation, event, or piece of information as something that provides a sharp, clear, and often unwelcome recollection or warning. Ludwig demonstrates this through numerous examples where the phrase highlights the severity or importance of a particular issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stark reminder" is a commonly used noun phrase employed to emphasize the gravity or significance of a situation, often serving as a clear warning or recollection of something important. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its serious and potentially cautionary tone. Alternatives such as "grim warning" or "harsh lesson" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overusing it in less dramatic situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forceful reminder

Indicates a reminder that is delivered with considerable impact and emphasis.

stark lesson

Substitutes "reminder" with "lesson", maintaining the intensity and clarity.

grim warning

Emphasizes the negative and foreboding nature of the reminder or warning.

wake-up call

Implies a sudden and urgent realization of a problem or danger.

clear warning

Focuses on the warning aspect more directly, removing the element of recollection.

serious warning

Directly highlights the gravity and importance of the warning being conveyed.

sobering lesson

Similar to 'harsh lesson' but emphasizes the serious and thoughtful aspect of the learning.

harsh lesson

Shifts the focus to the learning aspect, implying that the reminder is a result of a negative experience.

powerful lesson

Focuses on the impactful nature of the lesson learned, rather than just a memory.

unmistakable signal

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the warning or indication.

FAQs

How can I use "stark reminder" in a sentence?

The phrase "stark reminder" is typically used to emphasize the seriousness of something. For example, "The recent economic downturn is a "stark reminder" of the fragility of the global market".

What phrases can I use instead of "stark reminder"?

Alternatives to "stark reminder" include phrases like "grim warning", "harsh lesson", or "wake-up call", depending on the specific context.

What does "stark reminder" mean?

A "stark reminder" is a clear and often unwelcome indication or recollection of something significant, usually something negative or cautionary. It serves to emphasize the importance or seriousness of the matter.

Is it always negative?

While "stark reminder" often carries a negative connotation due to its association with warnings or harsh realities, it can sometimes be used in a neutral context to simply highlight the importance or relevance of something. However, it is most commonly associated with unpleasant truths.