a collective memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a collective memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to shared memories or experiences held by a group of people, often related to cultural or historical events. Example: "The celebration of the national holiday serves as a reminder of our collective memory and the sacrifices made by those who came before us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By helping to forge a collective memory of the past, memorials may also help rebuild or reshape a sense of collective identity (Harjes 2005).

SEP

For groups of people trying to maintain a collective memory by building museums, monuments, memorial days, ceremonies, etc. [19], this result suggests that their goal will be hard to achieve in a growing population.

Plosone

We have a collective memory, a backlog of common information".

The New York Times - Magazine

But a collective memory can be incredibly useful – liberating, even.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is a collective memory in Europe's 23,000 Bewick's swans.

Independent

Teams develop a collective memory and avoid making the same mistakes twice.

Harvard Business Review

Maybe it was just a collective memory we should all try to forget.

The New York Times

A collective memory of spiritual insights, of thousands of mystical moments".

The New York Times - Books

Rather than use architectural merit as a criterion, conservationists are arguing on behalf of structures that hold a "collective memory".

The Economist

That experience is now a collective memory, a mosaic of opposing reactions to a ball that flew 59 years ago.

The New York Times - Sports

It taps into a collective memory, but they distort the sound further, suggesting a layer of distance from their audience.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a collective memory" to create resonance with the reader when discussing cultural touchstones or historical events.

Common error

Avoid using "a collective memory" when referring to an individual's personal recollections; instead, use it to describe memories shared and understood by a group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a collective memory" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It refers to the shared memories and experiences that bind a group of people together. Ludwig confirms this, showing its use in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

20%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a collective memory" is a noun phrase that signifies the shared recollections and understanding of a group's past. It is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media, Science and Academia, as noted by Ludwig. The phrase emphasizes the shared identity and cultural values derived from common experiences. When using this phrase, ensure it refers to shared memories rather than individual experiences. Alternatives such as "shared recollections" or "communal remembrance" can be used depending on the context. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is versatile and effective in evoking a sense of shared history and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultural memory

Highlights the cultural aspects of shared memories.

shared recollections

Emphasizes the act of remembering together.

communal remembrance

Highlights the community aspect of remembering.

collective consciousness of the past

Emphasizes the shared awareness and understanding within a group.

group consciousness of the past

Focuses on awareness and understanding of history shared by a group.

accumulated group memories

Focuses on the accumulation aspect of memories within a group.

historical consciousness

Highlights how the memory creates a shared historical understanding.

social heritage of memory

Links memory to the broader concept of social heritage.

national consciousness of the past

Focuses specifically on a nation's shared understanding of its history.

common cultural heritage

Similar to shared history and tradition.

FAQs

How can "a collective memory" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a collective memory" to describe shared recollections of a group, for example: "The monument serves as a reminder of the nation's "a collective memory" of the war."

What is the difference between "a collective memory" and historical record?

"A collective memory" refers to the shared understanding and emotional connection to past events within a group, while a historical record is a documented account of those events. A historical record aims for factual accuracy, whereas "a collective memory" involves interpretation and emotional resonance.

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

Alternatives include "shared recollections", "communal remembrance", or "cultural memory" depending on the specific context.

Why is "a collective memory" important for communities?

"A collective memory" helps to create a shared identity, reinforce cultural values, and provide a foundation for future action and understanding within a community.