I recollect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I recollect" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It means to remember or recall something from the past. This phrase can be used in formal or informal writing. Example: "I recollect the day we first met with fondness. It was a sunny day in June and you were wearing a yellow dress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Clegg said: "I can only tell you the truth as I recollect it now … My recollection is that 2008 is the year the allegations were brought to my attention".

The Guardian

"I recollect one bank, Standard Chartered used to do this.

The Guardian - Opinion

If I recollect, Oregon won about half a dozen games by less than a touchdown".

The New York Times - Sports

Dr Beeching, as I recollect, closed Adlestrop because it was unprofitable.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If there is one experience from my internship that I recollect without difficulty, this was it.

The New York Times

(Nothing to do with Ms Drabble; more, as I recollect, with a pretty boy named Bob).

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The "I" recollecting dwells in the imagination, which seems infinite; it looks upon its body as a sour piece of flesh with its own pitiable destiny.

The New Yorker

This sea is different from the sea I left and different from the one I recollected in New York.

The Guardian - Books

Reviewing the 1974 George C. Scott revival, Gill recalled that he had been somewhat dismayed at himself for being made to weep by the Kazan original: I recollected in the course of the second act that Thomas Mann was seated directly behind me.

The New Yorker

I balanc'd some time between Principle & Inclination: till I recollected, that when the Fish were opened, I saw smaller Fish taken out of their Stomachs: Then thought I, if you eat one another, I don't see why we mayn't eat you.

The New Yorker

The source of this canard is the sixth book of "The Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau": "At length I recollected the thoughtless saying of a great princess, who, on being informed that the country people had no bread, replied, 'Let them eat cake".' (The words, in French, read "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche").

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I recollect" to add a touch of formality or to emphasize the act of recalling something from the past. It can be effective in storytelling or when presenting personal anecdotes.

Common error

Avoid using "I recollect" too frequently in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for more common alternatives like "I remember" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recollect" primarily functions as a declarative statement where the speaker is expressing their act of remembering or recalling something. Ludwig's examples show it used to introduce anecdotes or personal memories.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I recollect" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the act of remembering or recalling something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is valid and can be used in both formal and informal writing. While not as common as "I remember", it adds a touch of formality or emphasis to the act of recollection, and appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, consider using it to introduce personal anecdotes or to emphasize the act of bringing a memory to mind, while being mindful of overusing it in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I remember

A more common and straightforward way to express remembering something.

I recall

Similar to "I recollect" but slightly more formal, emphasizing bringing something back to mind.

As I recall

Adds a nuance of uncertainty or qualification to the recollection.

If I remember correctly

Indicates a degree of uncertainty about the accuracy of the memory.

To the best of my recollection

Highlights that the memory is as accurate as the speaker can currently manage.

From what I remember

Emphasizes that the statement is based on the speaker's memory.

My recollection is

Focuses on the memory itself as the subject of the sentence.

I seem to recall

Indicates a vague or uncertain memory.

It comes to mind that

Suggests a spontaneous or sudden remembrance.

I can bring to mind

Emphasizes the effort of actively remembering something.

FAQs

How can I use "I recollect" in a sentence?

You can use "I recollect" to introduce a memory or a past event, such as: "I recollect the summer we spent at the beach."

What are some alternatives to "I recollect"?

Some alternatives include "I remember", "I recall", and "as I recall", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "I recollect" considered formal language?

Yes, "I recollect" is generally considered more formal than "I remember" and may be more appropriate in written or professional communication.

What's the difference between "I recollect" and "I remember"?

"I recollect" implies a more conscious effort to bring something back to mind, while "I remember" is a more general term for having a memory.