a fleeting memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fleeting memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a memory that is temporary or quickly forgotten. Example: "As I walked through the old neighborhood, a fleeting memory of my childhood came rushing back to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Good rosé may well be more than a fleeting memory.

The New York Times - Food

In the fast movements and the Menuetto, the ensemble was trim, tight and energetic; the balance problems of the Adagio seemed a fleeting memory.

The New York Times - Arts

Though the technology gauge came roaring back late that same afternoon, it has since retraced the downward path, leaving the 5,000 mark a fleeting memory.

The New York Times

"The nimble, flexible, core-mission-oriented enterprise the D.O. once was, is becoming just a fleeting memory," the report said, referring to the Directorate of Operations.

The New York Times

Two days later, the Nets stumbled into a nine-game losing streak, their longest of the season, and.500 became a fleeting memory.

The New York Times - Sports

"I had a fleeting memory of being thrown clean out of the stern, seeing Bill going under me, then the boat coming down," Dye remembered.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

For centuries, man has struggled to standardize a psychovisual lexicon upon which poetry's elusive affect can be universally defined: to one reader, the above poem conjures the fleeting memory of a lost friend: perhaps it's through the haze of nostalgia, or the rhythmic cascade of line breaks, that the mind's eye is inscribed with the image of a woman's face in a wisp of smoke.

Vice

Sensuous, meditative, and offhandedly sublime, these pictures are about the experience of light as it intensifies, fades, and then burns into a fleeting retinal memory.

The New Yorker

In this movie, a fleeting green memory of the extinct miracle of photosynthesis is as dazzling and elusive as the emerald city of Oz.

The New York Times

This makes the prospect of aging less scary if scary at all. 2. Memory Loss is an Inevitable Part of Aging We do experience some fleeting memory problems as we age and these reflect normal changes in the structure and function of our brain.

Huffington Post

But for the most part, our fleeting memory difficulties are from normal age-related changes in the brain.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fleeting memory" when you want to emphasize the short-lived or transient nature of a memory. It suggests that the memory appeared briefly and may not be easily recalled again.

Common error

Avoid using "a fleeting memory" when you intend to describe a recurring memory or one that has significant emotional impact. Instead, opt for phrases like "a vivid memory" or "a cherished memory" if the memory is clear or emotionally important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fleeting memory" functions as a noun phrase, where 'fleeting' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'memory'. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fleeting memory" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe a brief and quickly passing recollection. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing its presence across diverse sources like News & Media and Science. While not extremely frequent, it is a common way to emphasize the transient nature of a recalled experience. When using this phrase, consider its neutral register and avoid confusing it with concepts of vivid or recurring memories. For alternatives, options like "a momentary recollection" or "a brief remembrance" can be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A momentary recollection

Focuses on the brief duration of the memory itself.

A transient memory

Emphasizes the temporary nature and passing quality of the memory.

A brief remembrance

Highlights the shortness and conciseness of the recalled instance.

A passing thought

Shifts the focus to the idea that comes and goes quickly in one's mind.

A short-lived memory

Underscores how the memory does not persist for long.

A quick recollection

Stresses the speed at which the memory is accessed.

A vanishing memory

Suggests the memory is actively fading or disappearing.

An ephemeral memory

Uses a more formal term to describe the short-lasting nature of the memory.

A fading recollection

Implies the memory is losing clarity and strength over time.

A blurred memory

Focuses on the lack of clarity and detail in the memory.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fleeting memory" to describe something that you remember only briefly or vaguely. For example, "As I walked past the old house, "a fleeting memory" of my childhood rushed back to me."

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

You can use alternatives like "a momentary recollection", "a transient memory", or "a brief remembrance" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a fleeting memory" or "a flighting memory"?

The correct phrase is ""a fleeting memory"". "Fleeting" means passing quickly or briefly, while "flighting" is not a standard English word used in this context.

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

"A fleeting memory" refers to a memory that is brief and quickly forgotten, while "a vivid memory" refers to a memory that is clear, detailed, and easily recalled. They describe opposite qualities of a memory.