a good memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good memory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's ability to remember information or experiences well. Example: "She has a good memory for names and faces, which makes her an excellent networker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I got a good memory.

The New Yorker

"I have a good memory.

The New York Times - Sports

He has a good memory".

The New Yorker

Survival takes a good memory".

The New Yorker

JEFFREY TOOBIN: You have a good memory!

The New Yorker

And thankfully I have a good memory.

Independent

I always keep a good memory.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I don't have a good memory".

The New York Times

What a good memory he has.

The Guardian - Books

Fassel may have a good memory.

The New York Times - Sports

He's got a good memory for slights.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability to remember specific details, follow "a good memory" with prepositions like "for" (e.g., "She has a good memory for faces") or "of" (e.g., "He has a good memory of the event").

Common error

While "a good memory" is common, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "excellent recall" or "strong memory" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good memory" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "good" modifies the noun "memory". Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's commonly used as a subject or object in a sentence to describe someone's ability to recall information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

20%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good memory" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe someone's capacity for effective recall. Ludwig AI validates its widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, consider synonyms like "excellent recall" or "sharp memory" to avoid repetition and add nuance. Whether discussing historical events, personal experiences, or professional skills, understanding the proper usage of "a good memory" enhances the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong memory

Emphasizes the strength and reliability of one's memory capabilities.

clear memory

Highlights the absence of confusion or distortion in one's memories.

reliable memory

Focuses on the dependability and trustworthiness of one's memory.

excellent recall

Focuses specifically on the ability to retrieve information from memory, highlighting the efficiency of the process.

sharp memory

Suggests quick and accurate recall abilities.

retentive memory

Highlights the ability to retain information over a long period.

long memory

Highlights the ability to remember events and information from the distant past.

photographic memory

Indicates an exceptional ability to remember details with great accuracy, as if taking a mental photograph.

remarkable memory

Stresses the unusual or noteworthy quality of one's memory.

vivid recollection

Emphasizes the clarity and detail of a past memory or experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good memory" to describe someone's ability to recall information well. For example, "Having "a good memory" is essential for historians" or "She has "a good memory" for faces and names".

What are some alternatives to saying "a good memory"?

Alternatives to "a good memory" include "excellent recall", "strong memory", or "sharp memory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "have a good memory" or "possess a good memory"?

Both "have a good memory" and "possess a good memory" are grammatically correct, but "have a good memory" is more common and sounds more natural in most contexts. "Possess a good memory" might be used in more formal or emphatic situations.

What's the difference between "a good memory" and "a photographic memory"?

"A good memory" refers to a general ability to remember things well. "A photographic memory", also known as eidetic memory, implies an almost perfect recall of images or experiences, which is much rarer and more specific.