a brilliant memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brilliant memory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has an exceptional ability to remember information or experiences. Example: "She has a brilliant memory for names and faces, making her an excellent networker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He said that although she found her failing strength frustrating, right up until her last week she was mentally "as bright as a button with a brilliant memory".

BBC

He asks: Can parents wanting only the best for their child ever really presume to know all the circumstances … in which a brilliant memory … or high intelligence will prove a benefit for their child?

Bioethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I find that stories act as brilliant memory prompts and help me recollect where I was and what I was doing at a given time.

The Guardian - Travel

San Francisco has brilliant memories, and San Diego has a cultural heart.

Los Angeles Times

Compared with such genuinely startling Korean new-wave gems as Bong Joon-ho's brilliant Memories of Murder, Kim Ji-woon's haunting A Tale of Two Sisters, or Jun-hwan Jeong's bonkers Save the Green Planet, the work of this enfant terrible has often seemed shallow and showy.

The Guardian

Not brilliant memories.

Independent

Others have brilliant memories, such as Dustin Hoffman's character in the film Rain Man.

Independent

He's also a filmmaker who finds great, unsettling dark comedy in violence, and once again the blood does run, if somewhat less generously than in "The Host" and his often brilliant "Memories of Murder".

The New York Times

As previously agreed EDC will no longer exist and the brilliant memories of those times will have to carry us through the remainder of our lives.

The New York Times

He was on his own minding his own business and I just walked up to him and thanked him for all the brilliant memories he'd given me over the years.

The Guardian - Sport

"We can all think of people that have poor reasoning and brilliant memories, or fantastic language skills but aren't so hot at reasoning, and so on," one of the paper's authors Dr. Roger Highfield told The Telegraph.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brilliant memory" when you want to convey not just good recall, but an impressive and almost extraordinary capacity for remembering details.

Common error

While "a brilliant memory" is effective, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language with alternatives like "an exceptional memory" or "a remarkable memory" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brilliant memory" functions as a noun phrase, where "brilliant" is an adjective modifying the noun "memory". It describes a specific quality of someone's memory capacity, indicating an exceptional ability to recall information as also stated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brilliant memory" is a grammatically sound and effective way to describe an exceptional capacity for recall. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While the phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news and media, science, and general conversation, it's essential to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "an exceptional memory" or "a remarkable memory" can be employed for variety. Remember to highlight the impressive nature of the memory being described without overusing the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent memory

Replaces "brilliant" with a more common synonym, reducing the intensity of the description.

an exceptional memory

Uses a different adjective to convey a high level of memory capability, similar in meaning to "brilliant".

a remarkable memory

Highlights the unusual or noteworthy aspect of the memory.

a photographic memory

Indicates a specific type of memory where one can recall images with great precision.

a prodigious memory

Emphasizes the extraordinary extent and power of the memory.

a sharp memory

Focuses on the clarity and accuracy of recall.

an astute memory

Suggests that the memory is not only good, but also discerning and perceptive.

a retentive memory

Highlights the ability to easily retain information.

a gift for remembering

Shifts the focus to an innate talent rather than a specific quality of memory.

a mind like a steel trap

Uses a metaphor to describe a memory that captures and holds information securely.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brilliant memory" to describe someone's exceptional ability to remember details. For example, "She has "a brilliant memory" for faces and names, which makes her an excellent networker."

What's the difference between "a brilliant memory" and "an excellent memory"?

"A brilliant memory" implies a higher level of recall and detail retention compared to "an excellent memory". While both are positive, "brilliant" suggests something truly exceptional.

Are there synonyms for "a brilliant memory"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "an exceptional memory", "a remarkable memory", or "a photographic memory" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a brilliant memory" in formal writing?

Yes, it's appropriate. While it adds emphasis, it's not overly informal and can be used in various writing contexts, including professional and academic settings.