Is It Kindly Reminder Or Kindly Remind?

Hey guys! Ever found yourself staring at your screen, wondering if you should write "kindly reminder" or "kindly remind"? You're not alone! This little grammar puzzle trips up a lot of us. Let's break down this common confusion and figure out the correct way to phrase it, so you can sound super polished and professional in all your communications. We'll dive deep into why one works and the other doesn't, and give you plenty of examples to make it stick.

The Grammar Breakdown: Why "Kindly Remind" Reigns Supreme

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of grammar, but don't worry, we'll keep it simple and fun. The core issue here is understanding the difference between an adjective and a verb. "Kindly" is typically used as an adverb, meaning it modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Think of it as adding a polite touch to an action. On the other hand, "reminder" is a noun, a thing. It's the act of reminding or the message that reminds you.

So, when we say "kindly reminder," we're essentially trying to use an adverb (kindly) to modify a noun (reminder). This is where the grammar police might raise an eyebrow! Adverbs don't usually modify nouns directly like that. Instead, we want to describe the action of reminding, and that's where the verb comes in. "Remind" is the verb – the action itself. When you use "kindly remind," you're correctly using the adverb "kindly" to modify the verb "remind." You are kindly performing the action of reminding someone.

Think of it this way: You wouldn't say "a happily gift" or "a beautifully painting," right? You'd say "a happily married couple" (happily modifies married, an adjective) or "a beautifully painted house" (beautifully modifies painted, a verb acting as part of a passive construction). The pattern is that adverbs usually describe actions or states, not the nouns themselves. So, while "kindly reminder" might sound okay to some ears because it's so commonly used, grammatically speaking, it's a bit of a faux pas. The correct and more formal way to express the idea of a polite reminder is to use the verb form: "kindly remind." This ensures your sentence is grammatically sound and conveys your message with the right tone.

When to Use "Kindly Remind" in Your Emails and Messages

Now that we've got the grammar sorted, let's talk about how and when to actually use "kindly remind" in your everyday communications. This phrase is perfect for adding a touch of politeness and professionalism without sounding demanding. It's ideal for situations where you need to nudge someone about something without being pushy. Whether you're following up on an email, reminding a colleague about a deadline, or asking a client for some information, "kindly remind" is your go-to phrase.

Here are some scenarios and examples to get you comfortable:

• Following up on an unanswered email: Instead of saying, "Did you see my last email?" try: "I wanted to kindly remind you about my previous email sent on [Date]."
• Reminding about a meeting or appointment: "We would like to kindly remind you of your appointment scheduled for [Time] tomorrow."
• Prompting for a task completion: "Could you please kindly remind your team about the upcoming project deadline on Friday?"
• Asking for necessary information: "I'm writing to kindly remind you that we still need the report for the Q3 review."
• In a series of instructions: "Please kindly remind all participants to bring their identification for the event."

See? It fits seamlessly into sentences and adds that extra layer of politeness. The key is that "kindly remind" is a verb phrase, where "kindly" is the adverb modifying the verb "remind." It's about performing the action of reminding in a kind manner. Using it correctly shows attention to detail and elevates the professionalism of your message. So, ditch the "kindly reminder" and embrace the power of "kindly remind" for all your polite nudges!

The Common Misuse of "Kindly Reminder"

Let's get real, guys. You've probably seen "kindly reminder" pop up in emails, sticky notes, or even in casual conversation. It's become so widespread that many people think it's perfectly acceptable. But here's the tea: while it's understandable why it caught on, it's technically incorrect from a strict grammatical standpoint. As we discussed, "kindly" is an adverb, and "reminder" is a noun. An adverb shouldn't directly modify a noun like that. It's like saying "a fastly car" instead of "a fast car" or "a quickly answer" instead of "a quick answer."

Think about the function. When you say "kindly reminder," you're essentially trying to describe the nature of the reminder itself as being "kindly." However, the grammatical structure doesn't support this. The adverb "kindly" is meant to describe how an action is performed. So, the action is "remind," and "kindly" describes how you are reminding. That's why "kindly remind" is the grammatically sound construction.

Why did "kindly reminder" become so popular, though? It likely stems from a desire to create a concise, polite phrase. People probably heard or read something like, "This is a reminder," and wanted to add politeness, leading to "This is a kindly reminder." It's an understandable shortcut, but in formal writing and professional settings, sticking to the correct grammar is always best. It shows that you pay attention to detail, and frankly, it just sounds more professional.

Even though it's widely used, using "kindly reminder" can sometimes make your writing seem a little less polished or even slightly awkward to those who are particular about grammar. It's one of those phrases that, while common, highlights a subtle grammatical error. So, if you want to impress with your writing and avoid any potential missteps, it's time to retire "kindly reminder" and opt for the grammatically correct "kindly remind." Your readers (and your grammar-loving friends) will thank you!

Alternative Phrases for Polite Reminders

Sometimes, even "kindly remind" might feel a bit too formal for certain situations, or you might just want to mix things up. No worries, guys! There are plenty of other excellent ways to politely nudge someone without sounding demanding or abrupt. The goal is always to be clear and courteous. Let's explore some fantastic alternatives that can inject variety and just the right amount of politeness into your messages:

• Gentle Follow-up: This is a super soft way to re-engage someone. Example: "Just a gentle follow-up on my previous email regarding [Topic]."
• Quick Check-in: This sounds very casual and non-intrusive. Example: "Just doing a quick check-in to see if you've had a chance to review the document?"
• Following Up: Simple, direct, and professional. Example: "I'm following up on the request for [Information]."
• Checking In: Similar to a quick check-in, but can be used for ongoing matters. Example: "Just checking in to see if there are any updates on the project."
• A Friendly Nudge: This one is quite explicit about its gentle nature. Example: "Consider this a friendly nudge regarding the outstanding invoice."
• Touching Base: Often used in professional contexts to reconnect or get updates. Example: "Just wanted to touch base regarding the upcoming event preparations."
• Hoping This Reaches You: A polite way to preface a reminder, especially if you're unsure if previous communication was received. Example: "Hoping this reaches you well. I wanted to follow up on the meeting minutes."
• Just a Note: Simple and understated. Example: "Just a note to remind you about the team lunch today at noon."
• To jog your memory: This implies they might have forgotten, but in a light-hearted way. Example: "Just to jog your memory, the presentation is due by end of day."

Choosing the right phrase depends on your relationship with the recipient and the context of the reminder. The most important thing is to maintain a positive and respectful tone. While "kindly remind" is grammatically correct and often appropriate, having these alternatives in your toolkit can help you communicate more effectively and authentically. Experiment with them and see which ones feel most natural for you!

Final Thoughts: Stick to "Kindly Remind" for Clarity and Professionalism

So, there you have it, folks! We've navigated the tricky waters of "kindly reminder" versus "kindly remind." The long and short of it is, "kindly remind" is the grammatically correct and more professional choice. It correctly uses the adverb "kindly" to modify the verb "remind," ensuring your message is polite and precise.

While "kindly reminder" is widely understood and frequently used, it's technically a grammatical slip-up. In formal writing, business communications, or any situation where you want to project a polished image, sticking to "kindly remind" is the way to go. It demonstrates attention to detail and a strong grasp of the English language.

Remember, the goal is always to communicate clearly and respectfully. By using "kindly remind" correctly, you're not just avoiding a common error; you're enhancing the quality and professionalism of your interactions. So, next time you need to send a polite nudge, you know exactly what to say! Keep practicing, keep writing, and keep sounding your best. Happy communicating, everyone!