a memory trigger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a memory trigger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that helps to recall a specific memory or information. Example: "The old photograph served as a memory trigger, bringing back vivid recollections of my childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

Arts

Books

Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It can be a joke, a sentiment, a memory trigger, a cake.

The Guardian - Arts

I notice facets of an object or story when I'm shooting that shows up in my writing, and I also use my photos as a source of detail and a memory trigger while I'm writing.

The New Yorker

Death is the beginning of forgetting, but also is a memory trigger at the individual and group level, and affects the behavior of people, though we don't know how much, for how long, nor in what sense.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Location is a memory trigger, he said, so even if people do not visit a shop when they get the text, they may remember it next time they are nearby.

The New York Times

Our conclusion that Ca2+ may be a memory trigger is further paralleled by an optical imaging study in Drosophila, which found increased Ca2+ responses in particular types of mushroom body intrinsic neurons (α'/β' neurons) between 5 and 60 min after a single training cycle [ 39].

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

For while the sight and scent of a rose might be a potent memory trigger, an abiding sense that the garden is a pleasant space to ponder or seek solace – long after the rose has faded – is ultimately more important.

Independent

This seems like a pretty normal reaction, but when you really think about it, it's quite a curious phenomenon: how does a recalled memory trigger a physical stress response?

Forbes

It allows us to take a moment to pause and reflect upon a fond memory triggered by a beautiful song or the smell of freshly baked cookies.

Huffington Post

A 2016 study found that chronic lateness may originate in what's called Time-Based Prospective Memory, which is a function of memory triggered by a time cue (like remembering to watch a TV show at 9 p.m. every week, for example).

HuffPost

An installation and series of drawings are arranged in display cases, each representing an individual memory triggered by one of Margiela's fragrances - featured artists include Conrad Roset, Kukula and Josie Hall.

Vice

The memory trigger was almost novelistic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a memory trigger" when you want to emphasize the specific element that sparks a recollection, rather than the memory itself. For example, "The photograph served as "a memory trigger", transporting me back to that summer."

Common error

Avoid using "a memory trigger" as a substitute for the memory. It's the stimulus, not the memory. For instance, instead of saying "That song was "a memory trigger"", say "That song was "a memory trigger" for my first dance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a memory trigger" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific stimulus that initiates the recall of a memory. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in various contexts like art, personal experiences, and sensory perceptions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a memory trigger" is a noun phrase used to describe something that prompts a memory. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, from casual to more formal settings. While not extremely common, it's a useful expression to describe the stimulus behind memory recall. Related phrases include "memory cue" and "reminder of a memory". Be sure to use it to describe the catalyst and not the memory itself. The most authoritative sources using this phrase are news and media outlets such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trigger for remembrance

Rephrases the original, emphasizing the act of remembering.

memory cue

Focuses on the signal or prompt that aids recall, rather than the process itself.

reminder of a memory

Emphasizes the act of bringing a memory back to consciousness.

recollection prompt

Similar to memory cue, but more formal in tone.

catalyst for recall

Uses a more scientific term (catalyst) to denote the trigger's function.

evocation of the past

Highlights the broader sense of bringing the past into the present.

flashback inducer

Implies a more intense and sudden memory recall.

prompt for reminiscence

Emphasizes the act of reflecting on past experiences.

memory jogger

Informal term for something that helps you remember.

source of nostalgia

Specifically refers to triggers that evoke sentimental memories.

FAQs

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

You can use "a memory trigger" to describe something that prompts a memory. For example, "The smell of lavender is often "a memory trigger" for my grandmother's garden".

What are some alternatives to "a memory trigger"?

Some alternatives include "memory cue", "reminder of a memory", or "recollection prompt". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes something "a memory trigger"?

A "memory trigger" is anything—a sight, sound, smell, or even a thought—that sparks a memory, often vividly. It's the stimulus that initiates the recall.

Is "memory trigger" a formal or informal term?

"Memory trigger" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more academic or scientific writing, terms like "memory cue" or "retrieval cue" might be preferred.