a lovely memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lovely memory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a pleasant or cherished recollection from the past. Example: "Looking through old photographs always brings back a lovely memory of our family vacations together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The mandolin I've chosen to save is just a lovely memory of my granddad.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The photo of skaters on Lake Carnegie (From the Archives, March 4) brought back a lovely memory.

Princeton University

I am sure there are other equally worthy domaines in Tavel, but the individuality, care and pride taken in this transaction is a lovely memory.

The Guardian - Travel

I have a lovely memory of the last time and if I had to sign up for something, I'd sign up for that; if I had to produce a film, I would do it the same way.

The Guardian - Sport

I have a lovely memory of us all being out at dinner in France during the promo tour, with my mother telling a filthy joke at the table, her laughing harder as she told it, and Gene laughing harder as she laughed.

The Guardian - Film

There will be a lot of suffering to come this season but one day, not yet, we'll look back on this and it will be a lovely memory, a tiny little bit of history, and maybe I'll remember the hard times too.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Sitting on a canalside in the late afternoon sun for aperitivo hour at Anice Stellato (Fondamenta della Sensa 3272), knocking back vino rosso and freshly prepared €1 crostini ("little toasts" topped with ham, cheeses and salty Italian goodies) is a particularly lovely memory.

The Guardian - Travel

It is not a lovely little memory play; it's a great memory tragedy.

The New York Times

That's a lovely food memory, too.

The New York Times

He looked like the little guy from Bayside when he told me about going back to the 40th reunion of his third-grade class -- such a lovely, sweet memory to share.

Huffington Post

Lovely memory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lovely memory" to describe past events or experiences that evoke positive emotions and a sense of nostalgia. It is effective in personal anecdotes, descriptions of meaningful moments, and expressions of appreciation for past relationships or events.

Common error

Avoid using "a lovely memory" in highly formal or technical writing. It's more suitable for personal narratives, creative writing, or informal communications. In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a significant experience" or "a memorable event" depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a lovely memory" is to act as a noun phrase that describes something recalled from the past. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lovely memory" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe pleasant recollections. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, though its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for informal or personal narratives, avoiding overuse in strictly formal writing. Related phrases like ""a cherished memory"" or ""a delightful memory"" can provide nuanced alternatives, and mindful writers should consider context to avoid over-familiarity in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cherished memory

Emphasizes the value and importance of the memory, highlighting its sentimental worth.

a treasured memory

Similar to 'cherished', it emphasizes the value and preservation of the memory.

a delightful memory

Focuses on the joy and pleasure associated with the memory.

a fond memory

Indicates affection and warmth felt when recalling the memory.

a beautiful recollection

Focuses on the aesthetic qualities of the memory.

a precious memory

Stresses the rarity and irreplaceability of the memory.

a pleasant recollection

More formal way to describe a nice memory.

a heart-warming memory

Highlights the emotional comfort derived from the memory.

a sweet memory

Highlights the pleasant and gentle nature of the memory.

a golden memory

Suggests that the memory is exceptional and highly valued, like gold.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lovely memory" to describe something positive you remember, for example, "Visiting my grandparents' farm is "a lovely memory" I will always cherish."

What are some alternatives to "a lovely memory"?

Alternatives include "a cherished memory", "a delightful memory", or "a fond memory", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "a lovely memory" is generally more suitable for informal or personal contexts. In formal writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "a significant event" or "a notable experience."

What makes "a lovely memory" different from "a good memory"?

"A good memory" simply indicates that the memory is positive or useful. "A lovely memory" implies a greater degree of affection, warmth, and emotional connection, suggesting a more cherished and sentimental recollection.