a hazy memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hazy memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a recollection that is unclear or not fully formed, often due to the passage of time or lack of clarity. Example: "As I tried to recall the events of that day, all I could muster was a hazy memory of laughter and joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Those days now seem a hazy memory.

The New York Times

A new generation may have only a hazy memory of him.

The New York Times

HIS domestic violence and drunk-driving arrests are a hazy memory.

The New York Times

A hazy memory of pre-GCSE science classes will most likely get you through.

The Guardian

For many young people like her, the evils of Uganda's past are only a hazy memory.

The New York Times

Yesterday was a dusty, distant century, its trials a hazy memory; today is love, and jokes, and pleasure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" is a distant, hazy memory.

The New York Times

But the USSR isn't just a fond, hazy memory; Transnistria has maintained the same security infrastructure from Soviet times the security intelligence unit is still called the KGB, and the state uses the same Soviet system of citizen informants to control the population.  .

Vice

Euro 2008 may be an increasingly hazy memory as the domestic season looms closer, but one aural highlight still raises a smile.

The Guardian - Sport

FridayIT IS nine years since I was last in Baku, and the city centre has transformed from, in my hazy memory, a pile of dusty rocks to a shimmering basket of jewels.

The Economist

"I don't really remember exactly [when I first used]," he explained in a Tim Horton's on Portage Avenue, citing years of alcohol abuse and frequent solvent use as a child for his hazy memory.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hazy memory" when you want to express that a recollection is unclear, indistinct, or fading, often due to the passage of time or a lack of focus during the original event.

Common error

Avoid describing the memory as "sad" or "happy" if your intention is to convey its lack of clarity. The haziness refers to the quality of the recollection, not necessarily the emotions associated with it. For example, instead of "a sadly hazy memory", consider "a hazy memory, tinged with sadness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hazy memory" functions as a noun phrase, where 'hazy' modifies the noun 'memory'. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the quality or state of a recollection, indicating its lack of clarity or distinctness. The examples provided showcase its usage in diverse contexts, reinforcing its role as a descriptive element.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hazy memory" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an unclear or indistinct recollection. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. When aiming for alternative expressions, consider phrases like "a vague memory" or "a blurred memory". Remember that the haziness refers to the quality of the memory's clarity, not its associated emotions, when utilizing the phrase "a hazy memory" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vague memory

Replaces 'hazy' with 'vague', indicating a lack of clarity or detail.

a blurred memory

Uses 'blurred' to convey the idea of an unclear or indistinct recollection.

a fuzzy memory

Substitutes 'hazy' with 'fuzzy', suggesting a lack of sharpness or definition.

a dim memory

Employs 'dim' to express that the memory is faint or weak.

a distant memory

Replaces 'hazy' with 'distant', indicating that the memory is far removed in time.

a faint recollection

Uses 'recollection' instead of 'memory' and 'faint' to describe its weakness.

an indistinct memory

Replaces 'hazy' with 'indistinct', implying a lack of clear definition.

a clouded memory

Uses 'clouded' to suggest that the memory is obscured or unclear.

an obscure memory

Replaces 'hazy' with 'obscure', indicating that the memory is not well-known or easily recalled.

a fading memory

Employs 'fading' to convey that the memory is gradually disappearing.

FAQs

What does "a hazy memory" mean?

The phrase "a hazy memory" refers to a recollection that is unclear, vague, or not sharply defined. It suggests that the details of the memory are difficult to recall precisely.

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

You can use "a hazy memory" to describe a past event that you don't remember well. For example, "I have "a hazy memory" of our trip to the beach last summer, but I know we had fun."

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

Alternatives include "a vague memory", "a blurred memory", or "a faint recollection". These phrases all suggest a lack of clarity in the memory.

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

Yes, "a hazy memory" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing. It is a common and well-understood phrase that can effectively convey the idea of an unclear recollection in various contexts.