stern reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

"stern reminder" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to emphasize that a reminder or warning is particularly serious and should be followed. For example, "The teacher gave the students a stern reminder that phones are never allowed in the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Every invitation came with a stern reminder: "Please don't bring a guest".

The New York Times

Security briefings for arriving troops include a stern reminder to never walk or travel alone.

The New York Times

Does he deserve any discipline other than a stern reminder from someone that it's not acceptable?

The Guardian - Sport

On the church door, signs offered a stern reminder: "No cameras & no recording devices allowed in the building".

The New Yorker

In the end, she avoids being remanded in custody, but gets a stern reminder of how lucky she's been.

The Guardian

The guidelines are non-binding, but they carry, says Stuart Eizenstat, the conference's organizer, a "moral commitment". Those words should serve as a stern reminder.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Mr. Banks has kept a relatively low profile; since becoming the department's top chief, his most well-known policy initiative has been to focus on cleaning up the appearance of police officers with stern reminders about the dress code.

The New York Times

He also wrote "What Is a Designer," which combined stern reminders of the importance of sound craftsmanship and designers' moral responsibilities and with stinging rebukes to those that succumbed to commercial pressure to produce "satisfactions on the cheap".

The New York Times - Arts

Though Mr Obama and his officials welcomed China's peaceful rise, they delivered stern public reminders of the new responsibilities this entailed.

The Economist

Citing "the names that are being kicked about in the US media"—including Trump's selection of Myron Ebell to oversee the EPA transition team Sachs expounds a stern but necessary reminder of the battle ahead.

Vice

A few attempts to do so met with stern rebukes and renewed reminders that the discussions at the meeting were not to be published.

Animal Health Research Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stern reminder" when you want to convey that a warning or piece of advice should be taken seriously and followed closely. It's suitable for situations where a casual reminder is insufficient.

Common error

Avoid using "stern reminder" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or severe in situations that don't warrant such emphasis. Opt for gentler alternatives like "friendly reminder" or "quick note" in less serious settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stern reminder" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive, providing a description or emphasis to a preceding noun. Ludwig AI indicates that it follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stern reminder" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize the importance of a warning or obligation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase adheres to standard English grammar. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media contexts, where it serves to reinforce messages and convey seriousness. While versatile, it is best suited for situations requiring a neutral-to-formal tone. Consider alternatives like "serious reminder" or "forceful reminder" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overusing it in casual settings, where it may sound overly severe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical reminder

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences if the reminder is ignored.

serious reminder

Highlights the weighty nature and potential implications of the reminder.

harsh reminder

Implies the reminder is unpleasant or difficult to accept.

grave reminder

Emphasizes the severe and potentially dangerous nature of what is being reminded.

forceful reminder

Stresses the direct and impactful nature of the reminder.

strong reminder

Indicates the reminder is presented with considerable emphasis and clarity.

stark reminder

Highlights the blunt and unavoidable truth being reminded.

firm reminder

Suggests a resolute and unwavering delivery of the reminder.

solemn reminder

Implies the reminder is given with a sense of gravity and importance.

strongly worded reminder

Indicates the reminder is delivered using direct and unambiguous language.

FAQs

How to use "stern reminder" in a sentence?

You can use "stern reminder" to emphasize the seriousness of a warning or piece of advice, as in "The sign served as a "stern reminder" that swimming was prohibited after dark".

What can I say instead of "stern reminder"?

You can use alternatives like "critical reminder", "serious reminder", or "forceful reminder" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "stern reminder" or "gentle reminder"?

Both are correct, but they convey different meanings. "Stern reminder" emphasizes seriousness, while "gentle reminder" is more casual and friendly. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your message.

What's the difference between "stern reminder" and "warning"?

A "warning" is a direct notice of potential danger or negative consequences. A "stern reminder" is a forceful way of bringing something important back to someone's attention, often carrying an implicit warning if ignored.