tangible reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangible reminder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a physical object that serves as a reminder of something significant or important. Example: "The old photograph on my desk serves as a tangible reminder of my childhood adventures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This provides a tangible reminder.

Nature

Across the room, Darrelle Revis's locker room stood empty, a tangible reminder of his absence.

The New York Times - Sports

The letter was a true, tangible reminder that this was history — her story — not mine.

The New York Times

The surviving safe houses, he said, are "a tangible reminder of man's humanity".

The New York Times - Tech

Every now and then "The Innocent Man" provides a tangible reminder of Mr. Grisham's novels.

The New York Times - Books

But the most tangible reminder of Mr. Strub's childhood stands outside the house.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

There are still tangible reminders of those days.

The Economist

They are tangible reminders of long-forgotten stories I was once involved in.

Independent

"Those things were all tangible reminders of what we were saying," Walker said.

The Washington Post

Meanwhile, all around are tangible reminders of the horror you lived through.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tangible reminders of past illnesses or accidents, scars are like old photographs, she is fond of saying.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tangible reminder", ensure the object you are referring to is indeed physical and directly relates to the concept or memory you intend to evoke. For instance, "The worn photograph was a tangible reminder of their shared history."

Common error

Avoid using "tangible reminder" to describe abstract concepts or non-physical reminders. Saying "Her kind words were a tangible reminder of her support" is incorrect; use "clear reminder" or "strong indication" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangible reminder" functions as a noun phrase, where 'tangible' modifies 'reminder', emphasizing the physical and concrete nature of the reminder. It is used to describe something physical that serves to bring something to one's attention or memory, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangible reminder" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a physical object serving as a prompt or memory aid. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the reminder is indeed physical and concrete to avoid misapplication. Ludwig's examples illustrate the phrase's effectiveness in emphasizing the realness and presence of something memorable. Consider alternative phrases like "physical memento" or "concrete symbol" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical memento

Focuses more on the object as a keepsake or souvenir.

concrete symbol

Highlights the symbolic representation aspect with a physical form.

palpable indication

Emphasizes the clear and easily perceived nature of the sign.

visible cue

Highlights the visual and prompting aspect.

material signifier

Highlights the physical aspect that conveys a specific meaning.

real manifestation

Focuses on the actual and evident display of something.

sensible token

Implies a perceptible object serving as a sign or symbol.

evident manifestation

Stresses the clear and obvious nature of the reminder.

perceptible symbol

Emphasizes that the symbol can be perceived through the senses.

touchable token

Directly points out the ability to touch the reminder.

FAQs

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

Use "tangible reminder" to describe a physical object that evokes a memory or represents something significant. For example, "The old watch was a tangible reminder of his grandfather's legacy."

What are some alternatives to "tangible reminder"?

You can use alternatives like "physical memento", "concrete symbol", or "visible cue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "tangible reminder" for non-physical things?

No, "tangible reminder" should only be used for physical objects. For non-physical reminders, consider using "clear indication" or "strong suggestion" instead.

What's the difference between "tangible reminder" and "visible reminder"?

"Tangible reminder" implies that the reminder is physical and can be touched, while "visible reminder" only implies that it can be seen.