a dark memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dark memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a recollection that is associated with negative emotions or experiences. Example: "As she walked through the old house, a dark memory from her childhood suddenly resurfaced, leaving her feeling uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But for the candidate himself, those two weeks in 1988 remain a dark memory.

The New York Times

Mentioning him can still cause discomfort in Russian academic circles, where his fate is a dark memory.

The Economist

It was as if Arthur was a name no longer to be mentioned; a dark memory best left unsaid, for fear that the bad old times be evoked.

Independent

In her own prepared remarks, Dr. Blasey said she had wrestled for weeks with whether to come forward with a dark memory that had "haunted" her and that she knew would upend her life.

The New York Times

The last time French minds were split between the football and the Tour was 2000, in what now seems like a different world: it was the heyday of Zinedine Zidane and company, Lance Armstrong was beginning the second year of his dominant if ultimately provisional reign and terrorism was largely a dark memory, anything but a threat to the world's greatest cycle race.

The Guardian - Sport

As Aston, the timid, supposedly "work-shy" soul who offers Davies space in his dilapidated flat, Michael Salconi is quite telling for the most part, especially in the great passage when Aston recounts a dark memory of hospitalization.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Ronan O'Gara calls it a "pretty dark memory" while Duncan McRae, the Australian back who punched his way into the Lions bestiary with a combination that might have won him a WBC title, has long accepted that he went just a little over the top in assaulting his Irish rival.

Independent

The economy would sort itself, homophobia and hate crime would dissipate, our contributions to global warming would magically reduce and all these awful things dragging the country to the dogs would be a distant, dark memory.

Vice

I am left with a very sad and dark memory of that day - in extraordinary contrast to what Dengen's family will remember from his funeral.

BBC

The image of that solitary engine in the un-mowed grass would be permanently seared into a dark core memory.

Huffington Post

We refer to this desirable state as Dark Memory, and it only occurs for applications with an extreme form of locality.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dark memory", consider the emotional impact you want to convey. It's effective for emphasizing feelings of sadness, fear, or regret associated with a past event.

Common error

Avoid using "a dark memory" in contexts where a simpler, less dramatic term would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dark memory" functions as a noun phrase, where "dark" is an adjective modifying the noun "memory". Ludwig examples show it describing recollections associated with negative emotions or experiences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a dark memory" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes a past event that evokes negative emotions, such as sadness, fear, or regret. While "a dark memory" appears across various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media. Alternatives such as "a painful memory" or "a haunting memory" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When using "a dark memory", consider the emotional impact and avoid overuse in casual contexts to maintain its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a painful memory

Focuses specifically on the emotional distress caused by the memory.

a haunting memory

Emphasizes the persistent and unsettling nature of the memory.

a bitter memory

Highlights the resentment or regret associated with the memory.

an unpleasant recollection

A more general term for a negative memory, lacking the intensity of "dark".

a traumatic experience

Refers to an intensely distressing event that caused lasting emotional harm.

a regrettable incident

Focuses on the feeling of wishing the event had not occurred.

a sorrowful remembrance

Highlights the sadness and grief linked to the memory.

a disturbing recollection

Emphasizes the unsettling or alarming nature of the memory.

an unhappy memory

A simple and direct way to describe a memory that brings sadness.

a cheerless memory

Emphasizes the lack of joy or happiness associated with the memory.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dark memory" to describe a past event that evokes negative emotions. For example, "The old house held "a dark memory" for her, reminding her of a childhood tragedy."

What are some alternatives to "a dark memory"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a painful memory", "a haunting memory", or "a bitter memory".

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

Yes, "a dark memory" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing personal experiences or analyzing psychological themes. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

What kind of memories would be described as "dark"?

Memories associated with trauma, loss, betrayal, or any deeply negative experience can be described as "dark". These memories often evoke feelings of sadness, fear, or regret.