I seem to remember

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I seem to remember" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when one is attempting to recall a particular detail or event from memory. For example: "I seem to remember the day we first met – it was a beautiful summer day in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I seem to remember being ethical.

The New York Times - Books

He liked Elgar, I seem to remember.

The Guardian - Music

I seem to remember it happening a lot.

The New Yorker

I seem to remember we got to 25.

The Guardian

I seem to remember Twitter accounts trending before.

The Guardian

I seem to remember my parents defending it," he says.

The Guardian - Books

"I seem to remember he was pretty fast himself".

The Guardian - Sport

I seem to remember paying £900 for it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I seem to remember you from some- place, Mac, I wish I could think where".

The New Yorker

Could he be succinct he was asked – I seem to remember – in a candidates' debate.

Independent

And I seem to remember that sometimes there's a problem, if they drill down too far.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I seem to remember" when you want to express a recollection with a degree of uncertainty or tentativeness. It's suitable when you're not entirely sure about the accuracy of your memory.

Common error

Avoid using "I seem to remember" excessively, as it can make your writing sound hesitant or unsure. If you have a clear memory, state it directly without hedging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I seem to remember" functions as a hedged assertion, softening the statement and indicating a degree of uncertainty or tentativeness about the speaker's recollection. Ludwig examples show its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I seem to remember" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a recollection with a degree of uncertainty. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. It serves the purpose of introducing information that the speaker believes to be true but isn't entirely sure of. While the phrase is generally considered neutral in register, overusing it can make your writing sound hesitant. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard grammar rules, making it a valuable tool for expressing nuanced recollections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I seem to recollect

Using "recollect" instead of "remember" adds a slightly more formal tone, while retaining the same core meaning.

I think I recall

This phrase offers a slightly more concise and direct way of expressing recollection, omitting the element of uncertainty implied by "seem".

If I remember correctly

A more direct way of expressing that one's memory is the basis for the statement, without explicitly stating uncertainty.

I believe I remember

This option replaces "seem" with "believe", indicating a stronger degree of conviction in the memory.

As far as I can recall

This phrase emphasizes the limit of one's memory, suggesting that the recollection is based on the best available information.

If my memory serves me correctly

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the reliance on memory as the source of information.

I vaguely recall

This phrase indicates a less clear or distinct memory, emphasizing the uncertainty of the recollection.

My recollection is

This phrase is more formal and directly states what one remembers, often followed by a specific detail.

I have a faint recollection of

This alternative highlights the haziness or lack of clarity associated with the memory.

It comes to mind that

This phrase is used when a thought or memory suddenly appears in one's consciousness.

FAQs

How can I use "I seem to remember" in a sentence?

Use "I seem to remember" when you want to express a recollection with a degree of uncertainty, such as, "I seem to remember reading about that event in the newspaper last year".

What's the difference between "I seem to remember" and "I remember"?

"I seem to remember" suggests a degree of uncertainty or haziness in your recollection, while "I remember" implies a clearer and more confident memory.

What can I say instead of "I seem to remember"?

You can use alternatives like "I think I recall", "If I remember correctly", or "As far as I can recall" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "I seem to remember" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to express a recollection with some uncertainty.