I recall him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I recall him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you remember someone from the past. Example: "As I flipped through the old yearbook, I recall him as one of the most popular students in our class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

I recall him referring to Hayek.

The New York Times

I recall him saying, "Sure holds the heat well".

The New York Times - Sports

"They have so much power," I recall him saying.

The Economist

I recall him being lenient and adoring and fun.

The Guardian

I recall him saying, "I hope you win".

The Guardian - Books

I recall him holding Judy's toy bunny rabbit and smiling into the sun.

The New Yorker

"How old are you?" I recall him asking me back then.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"He wasn't a direct client, but I recalled him living on the same estate where I grew up.

Independent

"I can recall him yelling, 'Emmitt!

The New York Times

I never recall him being particularly religious or politically motivated".

The Guardian

I, too, recall him reassuring a junior musician worried about being able to measure up to an imagined ideal, with the words, "You are what you are".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "I recall him" with a specific action or characteristic. For example: "I recall him always carrying a worn copy of 'The Odyssey'".

Common error

Ensure that the tense used in the clause following "I recall him" is consistent with the time frame being discussed. For example, avoid mixing past and present tenses inappropriately. For instance, don't say "I recall him and he is always smiling". Say "I recall him always smiling" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recall him" functions as an introductory clause to express a memory or recollection of a person. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and commonly used. It sets the stage for sharing a specific detail, anecdote, or characteristic associated with that individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I recall him" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a memory or recollection about someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a neutral expression applicable in diverse contexts, primarily in news, media, and general narratives. While alternatives like "I remember him" and "I recollect him" exist, each carries slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, ensure tense consistency and consider your audience to maintain clarity and appropriateness. Remember, the phrase is not only about remembering, it's also about telling a story.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I remember him

A more direct and common way to express remembering someone.

I recollect him

Slightly more formal than "recall", suggesting a more deliberate act of remembering.

I have a memory of him

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

I retain a memory of him

Emphasizes the persistence of the memory over time.

I call to mind him

A more literary and less common way to say "remember him".

I can picture him

Focuses on visualizing the person in one's mind.

I can see him in my mind's eye

More descriptive, emphasizing a vivid mental image.

My memory of him is

Shifts the focus to the quality or content of the memory itself.

I still think of him

Focuses on the continuing presence of the person in one's thoughts.

I haven't forgotten him

Emphasizes the lack of forgetting rather than the act of remembering.

FAQs

What does "I recall him" mean?

The phrase "I recall him" means that you remember someone from the past. It's a statement that indicates you have a memory of that person.

Is "I recall him" formal or informal?

The phrase "I recall him" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives such as "I recollect him" exist for very formal situations.

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

You can use alternatives like "I remember him", "I think of him", or "I recollect him" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

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

You can use "I recall him" to introduce a memory or anecdote about someone. For example: "I recall him telling stories about his childhood adventures".