I recall that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I recall that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a remembered fact or opinion. For example, "I recall that the teacher said this test was going to be difficult".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As I recall, that is.

The New York Times - Magazine

Though I recall that moment with absolute, crushing clarity, it is still unimaginable to me.

The New Yorker

"I recall that kid Gus Triandos chasing that knuckleball of Wilhelm's," Rizzuto said by telephone.

The New York Times - Sports

And there's an old poster out West, as I recall that said: 'Wanted: Dead or Alive.' ".

The New York Times

As I recall that report said that big problems including rotating blackouts could occur under extreme but plausible circumstances.

Columbia University

"There wasn't any reason I recall that was negative," Mr. Koch said on Sunday about the move.

The New York Times

I did have a piece in the legislation, as I recall, that would have provided funding for the teaching hospitals.

The New York Times

Whenever I think of Doc now I recall that conversation.

HuffPost

I recall that event vividly because I was there.

HuffPost

— Fred Hill, Santa Barbara, CA I recall that day so well.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The argument of the second estimate is similar to that of I. Recall that.

Boundary Value Problems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I recall that" to introduce a fact or event you remember, especially when precision is important. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "I recall that" can make your writing sound stiff or overly formal in casual contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "I remember" or "I think" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recall that" functions as a declarative clause used to introduce a statement based on the speaker's memory. It signals that the following information is something remembered, adding a personal and often authoritative perspective to the statement, as also explained by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I recall that" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase for introducing a statement based on memory. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most common in news and media, academic and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While highly versatile, it's important to use simpler alternatives in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Related phrases such as "I remember that" or "as I recall" can be used interchangeably depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I remember that

Uses 'remember' instead of 'recall', suggesting a slightly less formal tone and a more general sense of remembering.

From what I recall

Emphasizes that the information is derived directly from the speaker's memory.

As I recall

Shortened version focusing on the act of remembering, often used to preface a statement.

I seem to recall that

Expresses a slightly weaker or less certain memory.

If I remember correctly

Adds a degree of uncertainty or qualification to the recollection.

As far as I can remember

Similar to 'to the best of my recollection', adding a sense of limitation.

My recollection is that

More formal phrasing emphasizing the personal nature of the memory.

It is my understanding that

Shifts the focus slightly from direct memory to understanding or interpretation.

To the best of my recollection

Indicates that the statement is based on the clearest memory available, acknowledging potential uncertainty.

I believe that

Expresses a belief based on memory or other information, rather than a direct recollection.

FAQs

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

Use "I recall that" to introduce something you remember. For example, "I recall that the meeting was scheduled for Tuesday".

What's a more informal alternative to "I recall that"?

Alternatives include "I remember that", or simply "I remember". For example, instead of "I recall that it was raining", you could say "I remember it was raining".

Is there a difference between "I recall that" and "I remember that"?

The phrases are very similar, but "I recall that" can suggest a more deliberate act of bringing something back to mind, while "I remember that" is a more general expression of memory. They are often interchangeable.

When should I use "I recall that" instead of "I think that"?

"I recall that" is used when you are specifically referring to a memory, while "I think that" expresses an opinion or belief. You might say "I "believe that" the policy is unfair", but "I recall that the policy was changed last year".