a blurred memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a blurred memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a recollection that is unclear or not fully formed, often due to the passage of time or emotional impact. Example: "As I tried to recall the events of that day, all I could grasp was a blurred memory of faces and sounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is a blurred memory," she says.

Independent

In the following days, J.A.'s brush with death became a blurred memory.

The New Yorker

That the comparison did not harm Christie's Monet suggests that bidders had a blurred memory of the masterpiece, or could not tell the difference.

The New York Times - Arts

To the man in the street, Mr. Segni was a blurred memory of a silver‐haired country gentleman who smiled often and read speeches on television in a barely understantlable monotone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Followed by a segmentation process, it was then possible to interpolate objects boundaries in blurred images.

Biological Procedures Online

Rather than existing in the moment, it is an experiment in creating club music full of blurred memory and sensations.

Vice

Who owns this body, this foul little wreckhouse, this meshuggeneh mansion?" Mendelssohn's third-person voice is vivid, angry, racked with blurred memory and regret.

The Guardian - Books

She is so smitten with the 1940's tale of Noah Mr. Goslingg), a poor Southern boy who works in a lumberyard, and his wealthy girlfriend, also named Allie Ms. McAdamss), that for brief intervals his readings jog her blurred memory into focus.

The New York Times

Those who are obsessed by this blurred memory of truths they have never known are the men who are gifted... Talent is like a sort of memory which will enable them finally to bring this indistinct music closer to them, to hear it clearly, to note it down... .. Talent, Proust says.

The Guardian - Books

But in my blurred memory, I can still recall staring in wonderment at my father lying lifeless in his open casket.

Huffington Post

Though the economic data suggest the worst is behind us, does that mean the problems that it caused are nothing more than yesteryear's blurred memory quickly fading in the abyss?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional or traumatic events, using "a blurred memory" can effectively convey the disorienting and confusing nature of recollection. This phrase is appropriate in both formal and informal writing.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "a blurred memory" excessively in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise language when describing memory recall in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a blurred memory" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the state or quality of a memory, indicating its lack of clarity or detail. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a blurred memory" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a recollection lacking clarity or detail. As confirmed by Ludwig, this noun phrase functions to convey vagueness or uncertainty about a past event. While usage is varied, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "a hazy recollection" or "a vague remembrance" can be employed for similar effect. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hazy recollection

Focuses on the unclear and indistinct nature of the memory.

an unclear recollection

Simple synonym, expressing the lack of clearness in memory.

a vague remembrance

Emphasizes the lack of specific details in the memory.

a dim memory

Highlights the fading quality and lack of vividness.

a fuzzy memory

Focuses on the lack of sharpness and precision in the memory.

a faded memory

Suggests that the memory has lost its original intensity over time.

an indistinct memory

Stresses the lack of clear definition in the memory.

a shadowy memory

Implies that the memory is obscured or partially hidden.

a distorted memory

Indicates that the memory has been altered or misrepresented.

a fragmented memory

Highlights the incomplete and disjointed nature of the memory.

FAQs

How can I use "a blurred memory" in a sentence?

You can use "a blurred memory" to describe recollections that lack clarity or detail. For instance, "The accident left him with "a blurred memory" of the events leading up to it."

What's the difference between "a blurred memory" and "a vivid memory"?

"A blurred memory" implies that the recollection is unclear and lacks detail, whereas "a vivid memory" suggests that the recollection is clear, detailed, and easily recalled.

What can I say instead of "a blurred memory"?

You can use alternatives such as "a hazy recollection", "a vague remembrance", or "a dim memory" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a blurred memory" a common phrase in English?

While not extremely common, "a blurred memory" is a recognizable and grammatically correct phrase used to describe unclear or indistinct recollections. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is usable in written English.