I recall about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I recall about" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct usage would be simply "I recall" or "I recall something about." Example: "I recall the time we spent together last summer."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The policy went into effect, wiping out, as I recall, about 15 percent of the bottom line.

The New York Times

While "hooking up" and its implicit sexuality do not seem like the ideal way to start a relationship, it still sounds better than what I recall about dating.

The New York Times

To the Editor: Though Colin Dayan notes one warden's pride at his prison isolation cells, having once spent a long weekend inside New York's equivalent, I can say that what I recall about those entrusted with the keys will haunt me forever.

The New York Times

So it's a question and answer as I recall about the process of the campaign and how I'm going to get the 51 or 52 percent I need and I point out it's by focusing on those folks that are neither in his camp nor in my camp.

The New York Times

What I recall about a typical day in Vietnam was the boredom and the exhaustion.

Vice

"I recall about two decades ago when gangs such as the Bloods and Crips first came to town, law enforcement would arrest them if they jaywalked, littered, or had a taillight out," he wrote.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I was twelve at the time, and all I recalled about the event was that it was held at some gigantic 4-H-type place in the woods and that I lost the fishing rod I had brought all the way from Pennsylvania when I was showing off for some girls.

The New Yorker

As best I can recall, about five hundred and forty-one of those seats were occupied.

The New Yorker

I vividly recall, about three years later, a recording of Gallery - the political programme on which he was then working.

The Guardian

This charming American neatness and freshness is what I chiefly recall about her physical person".

The New Yorker

What I distinctly recall about these moments was the complete lack of inhibition, of shame, of nervousness.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing recollection, use "I recall" or "I remember" followed directly by what you are recalling, avoiding the unnecessary "about". For example, instead of saying "I recall about the event", say "I recall the event".

Common error

A common mistake is to use "about" after "recall", which is often redundant. "Recall" already implies reference to something, so adding "about" can make the phrase sound awkward. Instead of "I recall about the meeting", simply say "I recall the meeting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recall about" functions as an attempt to express remembrance or recollection. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not standard English usage. The correct form is simply "I recall".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I recall about" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. Ludwig AI suggests the correct usage is simply "I recall", followed by the object of remembrance. While the phrase is understandable, it's best to avoid it in formal writing. Alternatives like "I remember" or "As I recall" can also be used. Although it appears in a variety of sources, including News & Media, adhering to correct grammar enhances clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I recall

This is a shorter, grammatically correct version, omitting "about".

I remember

This substitutes "recall" with "remember", offering a direct synonym with slightly different nuance.

I recollect

Replaces "recall" with "recollect", another synonym with a more formal tone.

As I recall

Adds "as" to create an introductory phrase expressing the speaker's memory.

If I recall correctly

Includes "correctly" to emphasize the speaker's uncertain memory.

What I recall is

Rephrases as a statement of what the speaker remembers.

My recollection is

Transforms the sentence to focus on the speaker's recollection as a noun.

I have a memory of

Shifts the focus to the speaker's memory rather than the act of recalling.

It comes to mind that

Emphasizes the spontaneous nature of the memory.

I seem to remember

Introduces a sense of uncertainty about the memory.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "recall" in a sentence?

The verb "recall" should be followed directly by the object of your memory. For example, say "I recall the incident", not "I recall about the incident".

Is it grammatically correct to say "I recall about"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The word "about" is unnecessary and makes the sentence awkward. Just use "I recall".

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

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

What's the difference between "I recall" and "I recall about"?

"I recall" is the correct and concise way to express remembrance. "I recall about" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.