As I recall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As I recall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express your memory or recollection of a past event or information. Example: "As I recall, the meeting was scheduled for last Thursday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

As I recall, a live tantrum ensued.

The New York Times

As I recall, The V Foundation won.

The New York Times - Sports

As I recall, a great deal.

The Guardian - Books

As I recall, this cost me $3.50.

The Guardian - Music

As I recall, the veins were 'pumping in your forehead'.

Independent

"As I recall, it was only moderately successful," he said.

The New York Times

(As I recall, I won almost fifty dollars).

The New Yorker

As I recall you were dressed all in black.

Independent

As I recall, I was not offered several million dollars.

The New York Times

"As I recall, he pulled a gun on me, too.

The Guardian - Film

As I recall you took the test three times yourself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "As I recall", consider adding a brief explanation or context to clarify why you're relying on memory rather than concrete evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "As I recall" when you have access to definitive sources or verifiable information. It's best to verify the information rather than relying solely on memory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "As I recall" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling that the speaker or writer is about to share information based on their memory or recollection. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "As I recall" is a versatile phrase used to introduce information based on memory. It's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, especially news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it's appropriate for general use, be mindful of contexts where precise information is crucial; in such cases, verifying facts is preferable to relying solely on memory. Alternatives like "if I remember correctly" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

If I remember correctly

More explicit about the possibility of error in memory.

As I recollect

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal.

To the best of my recollection

More formal and emphasizes the effort to remember accurately.

To my recollection

Implies a more considered act of remembering.

As far as I can remember

Highlights the limits of one's memory.

In my recollection

Places the memory within the speaker's personal experience.

From what I recall

Slightly less formal and direct.

If my memory serves me right

Emphasizes reliance on memory and its potential fallibility.

If I'm not mistaken

Highlights the possibility of being incorrect about something.

As I understand it

Focuses more on understanding than pure memory.

FAQs

How can I use "As I recall" in a sentence?

You can use "As I recall" to introduce a statement that is based on your memory of something. For example, "As I recall, the meeting was scheduled for Tuesday."

What's a more formal alternative to "As I recall"?

A more formal alternative is "To the best of my recollection", which emphasizes the effort to remember accurately.

Is it appropriate to use "As I recall" in formal writing?

While acceptable, using phrases like "To the best of my knowledge" or "if I remember correctly" might be preferred in highly formal contexts.

What is the difference between "As I recall" and "as I remember"?

The phrases "As I recall" and "as I remember" are largely interchangeable. Both are used to express that something is based on one's memory. The slight difference lies in nuance, with "recall" suggesting a more deliberate act of bringing something to mind.