I recall a time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I recall a time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reminiscing or reflecting on a past experience or memory. Example: "I recall a time when we all gathered at the lake for a summer picnic, and it was one of the best days of my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I recall a time when maggots were regarded as anything but acceptable.

The New York Times - Health

Child: "If she's so wonderful, why did you divorce her?" AUDREY CORN Now that spring is here and the influenza outbreaks are officially over, I recall a time when catching the flu had its good points.

The New York Times

I recall a time a few years ago when Twitter was scoffed at.

TechCrunch

I recall a time in my life when flipping back and forth between scrambled adult pay channels was sufficient for my own private pleasure.

TechCrunch

I recall a time, not long ago, when Apple was about to change the world with Dashboards and before that Windows users had their own "widget economy".

TechCrunch

I recall a time when laws were written by elected officials.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

When I stayed with the sadness and pain, I recalled a time when an old boyfriend broke up with me.

Huffington Post

I can recall a time I was having a heated discussion with a White, male classmate of mine.

Huffington Post

I can recall a time when I thought like this too.

The Guardian

Spice Route I cannot recall a time, during my 20-odd years of writing about restaurants, when I recommended a restaurant for its décor.

The New York Times - Travel

I cannot recall a time in my life when she did not work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I recall a time", follow it with a specific and vivid detail to immediately engage the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I recall a time". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recall a time" functions as an introductory clause that sets the stage for a narrative or personal reflection. It is used to introduce a memory or past event, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I recall a time" serves as a gateway to personal reminiscences, often appearing in news and media contexts. Ludwig confirms it's grammatically correct and functions as an introductory phrase to share experiences or perspectives. While it's relatively neutral in register, overuse should be avoided to maintain writing variety. Consider alternatives like "I remember when" to diversify expression. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use this phrase to engage their audience and provide context to their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I remember when

Uses "remember" instead of "recall", slightly more informal.

I think back to when

Adds a reflective element with "think back to".

I recollect a period when

Replaces "recall" with the more formal "recollect" and "time" with "period".

Looking back, I remember

Adds a sense of retrospection at the beginning of the sentence.

As I reminisce, I recall

Emphasizes the act of reminiscing before recalling.

I can still picture when

Focuses on the vividness of the memory.

In my memory, I recall

Explicitly states the memory as the source of recall.

I bring to mind a time when

Uses "bring to mind" to express the act of remembering.

I look back on a period where

Similar to "thinking back", but with a slightly different phrasing.

My mind goes back to when

Implies a more passive act of remembering.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "I remember when", "I think back to when", or "looking back, I remember depending on the context.

Is "I recall of a time" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrasing is "I recall a time". The preposition "of" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

How formal is the phrase "I recall a time"?

The phrase "I recall a time" is relatively neutral in formality. While "recall" is slightly more formal than "remember", the overall phrase is suitable for both casual and professional contexts.

Can "I recall a time" be used in academic writing?

Yes, but sparingly. While grammatically correct, it's more common in narrative or reflective pieces. In academic writing, it's important to maintain objectivity and avoid excessive personal anecdotes.