a keen memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a keen memory' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is great at remembering things. For example, "John has a keen memory and can recall facts even from years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The National Cartoonists Society also said that next year's Reuben Awards ceremony and conference — typically held during Memorial Day weekend — will be in Washington, D.C. REUBEN AWARDS: A keen memory about one past "outstanding" cartoonist.

The Washington Post

Tenacity and a keen memory.

Harvard University

His masters, especially Alexander of Hales, recognized in him a student with a keen memory and unusual intelligence.

Britannica

Having an observant eye and a keen memory, she recorded her impressions in her diary and in letters home.

The New York Times - Arts

In those sessions, Mr. Reagan had a keen memory both for contemporary affairs and past events, like games he had described as a sports announcer.

The New York Times

Mr. Rowles has been tending bar at the hotel for three years longer than Miss Saunders has been alive, and has a keen memory of his customers' favorites.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He has an especially keen memory.

The New York Times

Had a sharp mind, keen memory, and flashing steel grey eyes until the very end.

The New York Times

With a deep feeling for fine art and a keen visual memory, she was a self-taught art connoisseur.

The New York Times

Some of these remembrances, captured by his increasingly keen memory, have been dictated to an assistant.

The New York Times - Books

Her keen memory and strong emotions, four years later, shine a defining light on the critical importance of risk reduction and mitigation prior to an emergency.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a keen memory" to describe someone's ability to recall facts, events, and details with great accuracy and clarity. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a keen memory" when a more generic term like "good memory" suffices. "Keen" implies a sharpness and enthusiasm in remembering that goes beyond simple competence. Consider if the context truly warrants emphasizing this exceptional ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a keen memory" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "keen" modifies the noun "memory". This phrase typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing a quality or attribute of a person or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a keen memory" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone with an exceptional ability to remember details. Ludwig AI validates its use across various reliable sources, primarily in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it is essential to use it when emphasizing a noticeable, sharp remembering capability rather than a simple "good memory". Alternatives include "a sharp memory" and "a remarkable memory", depending on the desired nuance. This phrase is helpful in academic and casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp memory

Changes the adjective to emphasize the clarity and precision of recall.

an excellent memory

Uses a more general term of praise for memory quality.

a remarkable memory

Highlights the unusual or noteworthy quality of the memory.

a photographic memory

Indicates an extremely detailed and accurate form of recall.

a vivid memory

Emphasizes the clarity and realism of remembered experiences.

an impressive memory

Focuses on the admiration the memory inspires.

a retentive memory

Stresses the ability to retain information effectively.

a good memory

Offers a simple and general way to describe memory ability.

a strong memory

Focuses on the power and reliability of recall.

a clear memory

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in recollections.

FAQs

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

You can use "a keen memory" to describe someone who remembers things very well. For example, "She has "a keen memory" for faces and names" or "His "a keen memory" helped him excel in history class".

What is a more formal alternative to "a keen memory"?

A more formal alternative would be "exceptional memory" or "remarkable memory". These phrases are suitable for academic and professional contexts.

Is it correct to say "keen memory" without the article "a"?

While grammatically understandable, it is more common and natural to use the article "a" before "keen memory". Saying just "keen memory" might sound slightly awkward in most contexts. It's better to say ""a keen memory"".

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

While both describe strong memory abilities, ""a keen memory"" implies a general ability to remember details well, while "a photographic memory" suggests an almost perfect recall of visual information, as if taking a photograph of the mind.