I can recall

USAGE SUMMARY

"I can recall" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that the speaker has the ability to remember or bring to mind a particular event, fact, or memory. Example: "I can recall the first time I visited Paris vividly; the smell of freshly baked croissants and the sound of street musicians still lingers in my mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I can recall him yelling, 'Emmitt!

The New York Times

I can recall, for instance......

The New Yorker

Lucia: Not that I can recall!

The New York Times - Magazine

"They're so vivid I can recall them".

The New York Times

"There wasn't discussion about wind that I can recall.

The New York Times

I can recall entire sequences without much difficulty.

The New Yorker

"I can recall several African Americans getting pardons".

The New Yorker

And Robin Soans is the creepiest Engstrand I can recall.

The Guardian

Now is the worst time I can recall".

The Guardian

"He discussed no politics that I can recall.

The New York Times

Nothing finer has graced our stage that I can recall.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I can recall" to introduce a specific memory or detail, adding a personal touch to your writing. For example, "I can recall the exact moment I decided to pursue this career."

Common error

While "I can recall" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more concise alternatives like "I remember" or, depending on the context, provide the information directly without explicitly stating that you are recalling it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can recall" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's ability to bring a past event, fact, or sensation into their conscious awareness. It asserts the power of memory, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I can recall" is a versatile phrase used to introduce information based on memory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While "I remember" serves as a more straightforward alternative, "I can recall" often implies a conscious effort to retrieve information. Remember to use it judiciously in formal contexts and leverage its personal touch when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I remember

A more direct and simple way of expressing the ability to bring something to mind, lacking the subtle nuance of effort implied by "recall".

I recollect

A more formal synonym for "recall", often implying a more deliberate or focused effort to remember.

I can remember

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the ability to remember rather than the act of recalling.

As I recall

Introduces a statement based on memory, softening the assertion with a slight degree of uncertainty.

If I remember correctly

Indicates that the speaker is relying on their memory and acknowledging the possibility of error.

To the best of my recollection

A more formal way to express that one is relying on their memory, often used in legal or official contexts.

From what I remember

Emphasizes that the statement is based on incomplete or potentially hazy memories.

I have a memory of

Focuses on the existence of a memory, rather than the act of actively recalling it.

It comes to mind that

Highlights the spontaneous or coincidental nature of a memory surfacing.

I bring to mind

Emphasizes the act of consciously causing a memory to surface.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I can recall"?

You can use alternatives like "I remember", "I recollect", or "as I recall" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I can recall"?

Yes, "I can recall" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the ability to remember something.

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

You can use "I can recall" to introduce a memory or a specific detail you remember. For example, "I can recall the day we first met as if it were yesterday."

What is the difference between "I can recall" and "I remember"?

While similar, "I can recall" often implies a more conscious effort to bring something to mind, whereas "I remember" is a more general statement of remembering.