a dim recollection

USAGE SUMMARY

'a dim recollection' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are unable to remember something clearly, but there is still a faint memory of it. For example: "He had a dim recollection of what the man had said, but he couldn't be sure if he was remembering it correctly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The sounds of silence are a dim recollection now, like mystery, privacy and paying attention to one thing — or one person — at a time.

The New York Times

It is a fudge characteristic of a country with an instinct for democratic progress, but a countervailing laziness and only a dim recollection of its radical past.Memory and forgettingThe civil war was not always so neglected.

The Economist

But it is generally credited to an unidentified journalist with only a dim recollection of European history who dusted off a phrase first used to describe the period after Napoleon's escape from Elba.

The New York Times

He would, for instance, be confronted in reality with Einstein's famous "twin paradox," which hypothetically assumes that "a twin brother who takes off on a space journey in which he travels at a sizeable fraction of the speed of light would return to find his earthbound twin either older than he or little more than a dim recollection in the memory of his descendants".

Encyclopedia Britannica

I had a dim recollection of a bottle of wine and a conversation about how she was studying Contemporary World Literature.

TechCrunch

Until recently, it probably provoked little more than a dim recollection of middle-school biology.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I think it is important for anyone going through the process to remember that this is possibly as bad and low as they will ever feel in their entire lives, and I always remind them that before long they will almost certainly find love and companionship again and look back on this time with an increasingly dim recollection.

Huffington Post

My dim recollection of the "Housekeeping" I read in 1980 was of a wonderful saga, a comic novel about an eccentric family and a group of unforgettable woman characters.

The New York Times

It's my dim recollection that she was not feeling well enough to continue.

The New York Times

So investigators looking at conduct in 2006 and 2007, when the market for residential mortgage-backed securities was at its peak, are going to confront stale evidence and dim recollections while having to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a substantial hurdle in any case.

The New York Times

Yet, dim recollections suggested that the marathoner was a part of my original self.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dim recollection" when you want to convey that you have a vague or incomplete memory of something. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, offering a nuanced way to describe memory recall.

Common error

While "a dim recollection" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. In such cases, consider using more precise language to describe the nature and limitations of the memory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dim recollection" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence to describe the state of one's memory. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correctly used in various contexts, indicating its grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dim recollection" is a noun phrase used to describe a vague or unclear memory. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the degree of uncertainty or lack of detail in your memory. Consider using alternative phrases like ""a vague memory"" or ""a faint memory"" for nuanced expressions. While versatile, avoid overusing it in strictly formal writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate "a dim recollection" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vague memory

Replaces "recollection" with "memory" to emphasize the general nature of remembering something without specifics.

a faint memory

Substitutes "dim" with "faint" to highlight the weak or indistinct quality of the memory.

a hazy memory

Uses "hazy" instead of "dim" to convey a sense of unclear or obscured remembrance.

a blurred memory

Replaces "dim" with "blurred" to suggest that the details of the memory are indistinct and not sharp.

an unclear memory

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the memory, making it difficult to recall precisely.

a distant memory

Highlights the temporal aspect, suggesting the memory is from a long time ago and therefore less clear.

a fleeting memory

Suggests that the memory is brief and quickly disappears from conscious awareness.

a shadowy recollection

Uses "shadowy" to create a sense of mystery and vagueness around the memory.

a slight recollection

Indicates that the memory is minimal or barely present.

a weak recollection

Directly describes the memory as lacking strength or detail.

FAQs

How can I use "a dim recollection" in a sentence?

You can use "a dim recollection" to describe a vague or unclear memory. For example, "I have "a dim recollection" of the events of that night, but I can't recall all the details".

What's a good alternative to "a dim recollection"?

Alternatives include "a vague memory", "a faint memory", or "a hazy memory". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a dim recollection" or "a vague recollection"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a vague recollection" is slightly more common. "A dim recollection" emphasizes the lack of clarity, while "a vague recollection" emphasizes the lack of detail.

What does "a dim recollection" imply about the memory?

Using the phrase "a dim recollection" suggests that the memory is not clear or vivid. It implies that the details are fuzzy or difficult to recall, but that some trace of the memory remains.