a memory of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a memory of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a recollection or remembrance of a past event, person, or experience. Example: "She held onto a memory of her childhood summers spent at the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Make a memory of them".

The New York Times

A memory of you, Wan ti,.

The New Yorker

It was a memory of a fantasy.

The New Yorker

"A memory of happiness".

The New York Times

A MEMORY OF WAR, by Frederick Busch.

The New York Times - Books

They will have a memory of this.

The New York Times

There is a memory of war here.

The Guardian - Travel

"It's a memory of people's good times".

The New York Times

That's a memory of platonic love, not romantic.

The New York Times

From Seurat, or from a memory of North African architecture?

The Guardian - Arts

SHAPE Clothing has a memory of every wearer.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a memory of", ensure that the subsequent description or context provides sufficient detail to make the memory relatable or understandable to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a memory of" when describing active retrieval of information. Instead, opt for phrases like "I remember" or "I recall" to indicate a conscious effort to bring something to mind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a memory of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It typically introduces a specific recollection, impression, or association related to something from the past. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a memory of" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to connect with past experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts such as news, academia, and even science. While alternatives like "a recollection of" or "a remembrance of" exist, "a memory of" holds a versatile position suitable for various situations. Remember to use it when referring to actual recollections rather than active recall. Its frequency and broad applicability make it a valuable phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recollection of

Focuses specifically on the act of remembering or recalling something.

a remembrance of

Emphasizes the act of commemorating or honoring someone or something.

a reminder of

Highlights the aspect of bringing something to one's attention again.

an echo of

Suggests a faint or indirect connection to something from the past.

a trace of

Implies a slight or remaining indication of something.

a vestige of

Indicates a surviving piece or remnant of something lost or gone.

an impression of

Refers to a subjective feeling or understanding derived from an experience.

a vision of

Conveys a vivid or imaginative mental image.

a legacy of

Focuses on what is left behind or passed down from a person or event.

a reflection of

Emphasizes that something mirrors or represents something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "a memory of" to refer to a recollection or something that evokes a past experience. For example, "The old photograph stirred "a memory of" childhood summers."

What are some alternatives to using "a memory of"?

Alternatives include "a recollection of", "a remembrance of", or "an impression of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a memory about" instead of "a memory of"?

While "a memory about" is sometimes used informally, ""a memory of"" is generally considered more grammatically correct and appropriate for formal writing.

What's the difference between "a memory of" and "an account of"?

"A memory of" refers to a personal recollection, while "an account of" suggests a more objective and detailed description of an event or situation. For example, you might have "a memory of" a birthday party, but read "an account of" a historical event.