How to use "as a reminder"

What Does "as a reminder" Mean?

• Grammatical function: It functions as a discourse marker, indicating that the speaker or writer is prompting the audience to recall previously known information. It signals a return to a topic or a reinforcement of something important.
• Typical sentence position: Initial
• Register: Neutral

How to Use It

• Syntactic patterns: It is typically followed by a comma and then a clause that contains the information being reiterated. It usually precedes a statement or instruction.
• Punctuation rules: A comma is almost always used after "as a reminder".
• Grammatical flexibility: It almost always starts a sentence and is not typically moved. It's not generally negated.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Placing it mid-sentence sounds unnatural. Using it to introduce completely new information is also incorrect.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from as a reminder on Ludwig.guru.

"Just as a reminder:." — The New York Times

"This game served as a reminder." — Independent

"As a reminder, this is tag 0B33." — Columbia University

"As a reminder, this is tag 008L." — Columbia University

"As a reminder, this is tag 0CYB." — Columbia University

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/as+a+reminder

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
please remember	Slightly more direct and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
don't forget	More informal, often used in spoken communication.
bear in mind	More formal; emphasizes the importance of considering something.
let me remind you	More assertive and personal, drawing attention to the speaker's role.
just a reminder	A shorter, slightly more casual version of "as a reminder".
as you know	Implies the listener is already aware of the information.
it's important to remember	Emphasizes the significance of the information being recalled.

Common Mistakes

• Placing "as a reminder" in the middle of a sentence is grammatically incorrect and sounds unnatural.
• Forgetting the comma after "as a reminder" can make the sentence appear rushed or less clear.
• Learners sometimes misuse it by placing it mid-sentence or confusing it with similar phrases like 'remember that'.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
as a reminder	Signals a reiteration of information	Neutral	Sentence-initial

FAQs

Where can "as a reminder" be placed in a sentence?

"As a reminder" is almost exclusively used at the beginning of a sentence. Placing it mid-sentence is grammatically incorrect and disrupts the flow of the sentence. It functions as a sentence-level discourse marker, setting the stage for the information that follows.

---

How is "as a reminder" different from "remember that"?

"As a reminder" typically introduces a complete clause, offering a more formal and structured way to prompt recall. "Remember that" can be used more flexibly, sometimes embedded within a sentence, and carries a slightly more direct and conversational tone. While both aim to jog memory, "as a reminder" is generally reserved for sentence-initial placement.

---

How can I avoid misusing "as a reminder"?

To avoid misuse, always place "as a reminder" at the beginning of the sentence, followed by a comma. Be mindful that it signals a reiteration of existing knowledge, not an introduction of new information. Confusing it with phrases like "remember that" can lead to awkward phrasing, so stick to using it as a sentence opener.