I can almost remember

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I can almost remember" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a vague recollection or a feeling of familiarity about something that is not fully clear in your memory. Example: "As I walked through the old neighborhood, I can almost remember the games we used to play as kids."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I can almost remember when that might have happened in this country.

The New Yorker

I can almost remember all their names: Pup, Queenie and the littlest one was Poochie, who was running everything.

The Washington Post

He had us all on that first morning — and I can almost remember all the others in the class, just from the memory of his deep voice bellowing "Monsieur Golfinos?" "Mademoiselle Beckett?" "Mademoiselle Lareuse?" "Monsieur Nagorski?" and so forth.

Princeton University

Mr Davis said: "His words [Mr Wain] were - and I can almost remember them verbatim - that 'we were going to put the blame for this disaster where it belongs - on the drunken, ticketless Liverpool fans'".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And he can almost remember the number of votes by which he lost his seat in the New Jersey General Assembly, where he served for four years -- 687 or so (ouch).

The New York Times

Still, even a name you can almost remember has to be better than one that's completely forgettable.Why call a line by anyone's name, much less an unpronounceable one of indeterminate ethnic origin (Norwegian?

The New York Times

Tei Blow's subtle but evocative sound and video designs add another texture, with often corrupted images and ambient noises coming and going like the dreams you can almost remember upon waking.

The New York Times - Arts

So you try as far as possible not to place yourself in that situation.... [But] it's a crammed situation... one's anxiety levels are so high, you literally sit and force that stuff, that you can almost remember a page just so.

BMC Medical Education

"And I can almost cry remembering it".

The Guardian - Film

The film-maker's script for the biopic touches on the former Apple CEO's initial refusal to recognise his daughter, an episode Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has described as "hard on me … when the money didn't matter, and I can almost cry remembering it".

The Guardian - Film

I can almost date it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I can almost remember" to express a feeling of near-recall, especially when you have a sense of familiarity but lack specific details. It is useful to preface a statement that might not be entirely accurate.

Common error

Avoid using "I can almost remember" when you are certain about a memory. This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty, so if you have a clear recollection, state it directly without hedging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can almost remember" functions as a hedge, softening the assertion of memory. It indicates an attempt to recall something without claiming complete accuracy. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by examples in news and media.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I can almost remember" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for expressing an incomplete or vague recollection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and science. When using this phrase, be mindful of its implied uncertainty and avoid using it when you have a clear and certain memory. Consider alternatives like "I vaguely recall" or "I faintly remember" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances. The frequency of usage is uncommon, and source quality is high, indicating reliable usage in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I nearly recall

Uses 'nearly' to convey the idea of being close to remembering something fully.

I vaguely recall

Replaces "almost remember" with a more direct expression of faint recollection.

I faintly remember

Similar to 'vaguely recall', this alternative emphasizes the weak nature of the memory.

I seem to recall

Introduces uncertainty about the accuracy of the memory.

I have a hazy recollection

Describes the memory as unclear and indistinct.

I have a dim memory of it

Conveys a weak and unclear memory of the event or detail.

It's on the tip of my tongue

An idiomatic expression indicating a strong feeling of almost remembering something.

My memory is a bit fuzzy

Indicates that the memory is unclear or imprecise.

I think I remember something about it

Adds more uncertainty and implies a fragmented memory.

If I remember correctly

Expresses a hesitant memory, inviting correction if needed.

FAQs

How can I use "I can almost remember" in a sentence?

You can use "I can almost remember" to express a vague or incomplete memory, like in "I can almost remember the name of the street, but it's just on the tip of my tongue".

What phrases are similar to "I can almost remember"?

Alternatives to "I can almost remember" include "I vaguely recall", "I faintly remember", or "I nearly recall".

Is it correct to say "I can almost remember"?

Yes, "I can almost remember" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a feeling of nearly remembering something.

What is the difference between "I can almost remember" and "I clearly remember"?

"I can almost remember" suggests an incomplete or uncertain recollection, while "I clearly remember" indicates a vivid and certain memory.