I remember certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I remember certain" is not complete and requires additional context to be fully correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you recall specific things or details, but it needs to be followed by what you remember. Example: "I remember certain details from our last conversation that might help us now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I remember certain people.

The New Yorker

I remember certain people being outside of clubs and yelling and I was like, "I don't play the devil's music.

The New York Times

I remember certain lines, as words will sometimes float in memory long after a book is forgotten.

The New Yorker

Teacher: I remember certain specialized courses like paleo-microbiology and something that made much impression, paleo-pathology.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I probably have had more experience of them through film than through books, but I still remember certain thrillers that I read as a kid that were powerful for me.

The New Yorker

"I can remember certain situations in matches where I should have been set up for goals and people were a little bit greedy and had shots themselves," Beattie told BBC North West Sport.

BBC

I do remember certain moments very sharply and very clearly.

The Guardian

For as long as I can remember, certain sexual acts were deemed "freaky white people shit" by the vast majority of my black female friends.

Vice

I can't remember certain things like I used to remember.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All I remember thinking was -- I don't know how to change a diaper; I don't know how to make her spaghetti sauce; I don't remember certain stories about my grandparents, her parents.

Huffington Post

But taking 10 minutes to jot down a few quick notes helps me reflect on the day's events and remember certain things I may have otherwise forgotten.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I remember certain", always follow it with specific details or examples to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "I remember certain" without providing any specifics. This can leave the reader wondering what you're actually referring to and weaken your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I remember certain" serves as an introductory expression indicating that the speaker has some recollection of specific details, people, or events, but is not necessarily recalling everything. It prefaces the revelation of particular memories, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I remember certain" serves to introduce specific recollections while acknowledging that the memory might not be complete. Ludwig indicates that while grammatically correct, it necessitates following details for context. Its usage spans from news and media to scientific discussions, maintaining a neutral register. Alternatives include "I recall specific" or "I recollect some", adjusting the emphasis on detail. Remember, according to Ludwig's AI, providing context after this phrase is crucial for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I recall specific instances

Replaces "certain" with "specific instances" for greater emphasis on particular occurrences.

I do remember some events

Adds emphasis using "do" for remembering, and "some" to replace certain.

I recollect some details

Uses "recollect" and "some details" to convey a similar meaning with slightly less precision.

I seem to remember specific situations

Expresses a sense of recalling specific situations but with less certainty.

I can bring to mind particular events

Offers a more formal alternative with "bring to mind" and "particular events".

I distinctly remember particular cases

Use "distinctly" to add more emphasis to recalling some situations.

I have memories of particular things

Rephrases as possessing memories instead of the act of remembering.

I still remember specific

Emphasizes the continuous nature of remembering some specific details.

I retain awareness of select moments

Uses "retain awareness" and "select moments" for a more descriptive and precise tone.

I always remember specific

Focuses on the repetitive nature of remembering specific details.

FAQs

How can I use "I remember certain" in a sentence?

The phrase "I remember certain" is often followed by nouns or noun phrases specifying what you recall. For example, "I remember certain details about the event", or "I remember certain people from my childhood".

What are some alternatives to "I remember certain"?

You can use alternatives like "I recall specific", "I recollect some", or "I can bring to mind particular" depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I remember certain"?

Yes, "I remember certain" is grammatically correct, but it requires a following noun or noun phrase to complete the thought. It's an incomplete sentence on its own.

What's the difference between "I remember certain" and "I remember specific"?

"I remember certain" implies a degree of selectivity or vagueness, while "I remember specific" suggests a higher level of detail and clarity in your recollection.