How to use "kind reminder"

What Does "kind reminder" Mean?

  • Meaning of the collocation or phrasal verb

"Kind reminder" is a polite and gentle way to remind someone of something. It's often used when you want to prompt someone to take action or remember something without sounding demanding or accusatory. It's a softer approach than a direct request or command.

  • Whether meaning is compositional or semi-idiomatic

The meaning is compositional. "Kind" means gentle and considerate, and "reminder" means something that causes someone to remember. The combination creates a polite prompt.

  • Register: formal / informal / neutral

The register is neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate for professional emails, announcements, and general communication where politeness is valued. It avoids being overly casual while still being approachable.

How to Use It

  • Grammatical pattern: verb + noun, verb + particle, adjective + noun, etc.

The grammatical pattern is adjective + noun. "Kind" is an adjective modifying the noun "reminder".

  • Typical objects, complements, or prepositions that follow

It's often followed by "that + clause" to specify what the reminder is about. It can also be followed by "of + noun phrase". For example, "a kind reminder that the deadline is tomorrow," or "a kind reminder of our meeting."

  • Can the components be separated? (for phrasal verbs)

No, the components cannot be separated as it's not a phrasal verb.

  • What sounds unnatural: wrong verb, wrong preposition, wrong object

Using an impolite or demanding adjective like "strict reminder" would change the tone completely. Incorrect prepositions after "reminder" (e.g., "reminder for") would also sound unnatural. Using "remind kindly" is grammatically incorrect.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from kind reminder on Ludwig.guru.

"A kind reminder that business is about money, not about eco-concerns." — The Economist

"A spokesman for the metro company denied allegations that the post was justifying sexual harassment, and said it was meant to be a "kind reminder" to women." — BBC

"After four weeks, all providers got a kind reminder via phone." — BMC Geriatrics

"If you decided to walk your own path, however, (guilty as charged, sorry, mommy!), let this serve as a kind reminder of the general pieces of advice so many mothers are able to give." — Huffington Post

"It's the kind of reminder we all need in our daily lives -- double-check what you thought you had right the first time," he said." — The New York Times

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

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase Context
gentle reminder Very similar in meaning and usage; slightly less formal.
friendly reminder Slightly more informal; emphasizes a warm and approachable tone.
just a reminder More direct and concise; suitable when brevity is important.
please remember A direct request; can be perceived as slightly more assertive.
note that More formal and impersonal; suitable for announcements and official communication.
as a reminder Used to introduce something that is being repeated for clarity.
to reiterate More formal and emphatic; used to emphasize a previously stated point.

Common Mistakes

  • Learners may use "remind kindly" which is grammatically incorrect as "kind" is an adjective modifying "reminder", not an adverb modifying "remind".
  • Using a rude or demanding adjective instead of "kind" can change the tone completely. For example, "strict reminder".
  • Using the wrong preposition after reminder, such as "reminder for" instead of "reminder of" or "reminder that".

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression Meaning Grammatical Pattern Register
kind reminder A polite way to prompt someone to remember something. Adjective + Noun Neutral to slightly formal

FAQs

Can the words in "kind reminder" be separated?

No, the words in "kind reminder" cannot be separated. It functions as a fixed collocation where "kind" directly modifies "reminder." Inserting words between them would sound unnatural and grammatically incorrect.


How is "kind reminder" different from "gentle reminder"?

"Kind reminder" and "gentle reminder" are very similar in meaning and are often interchangeable. However, "gentle reminder" might be perceived as slightly less formal and more approachable than "kind reminder." Both aim to prompt action without being demanding.


Is "remind kindly" correct?

No, "remind kindly" is grammatically incorrect. "Kind" is an adjective that describes the "reminder," not an adverb modifying the verb "remind." The correct phrasing is "kind reminder," where "kind" modifies the noun.

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