a photographic memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a photographic memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who can remember information or images with great accuracy and detail, often as a compliment to their memory skills. Example: "She has a photographic memory, allowing her to recall every detail of the book she read last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 2008, the photographer Rachel Seed began work on her first documentary film, "A Photographic Memory".

The New Yorker

A photographic memory.

The Guardian

He had a photographic memory.

The New York Times - Arts

I have a photographic memory.

The Guardian - Sport

The auditory equivalent of a photographic memory?

The New York Times - Books

My father has a photographic memory.

The New Yorker

He had a photographic memory for faces and names.

The New Yorker

"He was smart, with a photographic memory," Oplinger said.

The New Yorker

"He has a photographic memory," Valk explains, mock-wearily.

The Guardian

He had a Balkan-style mustache and a photographic memory.

The New York Times

Miss Stein has a photographic memory for conversation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a photographic memory" to describe someone's exceptional ability to remember visual details with great accuracy. For example, "She has a photographic memory, which allows her to excel in fields that require high attention to detail."

Common error

Avoid using "a photographic memory" to simply mean someone has a good memory. The phrase implies an almost perfect recall of visual information, not just remembering things well in general.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a photographic memory" functions primarily as a descriptive attribute, typically used to characterize an individual's exceptional ability to recall visual information with remarkable accuracy. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in describing various people, characters, and even abstract concepts like wine tasting, alluding to an ability to remember specific details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

6%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a photographic memory" is a commonly used phrase to describe someone with an extraordinary ability to recall visual details with great accuracy. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While it's often used informally, it can also appear in more formal settings. Remember to use it accurately, implying near-perfect visual recall, and avoid confusing it with general good memory. Alternative phrases like "eidetic memory" or "exceptional recall" can be used for variety or to convey slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eidetic memory

More technical term for photographic memory, implies detailed and accurate recall.

perfect recall

Suggests an ability to remember everything flawlessly.

visual memory

Specifies the ability to remember things seen, which could be only one of the elements of having "a photographic memory".

exceptional recall

General term indicating a high level of remembering ability, not necessarily visual.

remarkable memory

Highlights the impressive nature of the memory capacity.

vivid memory

Emphasizes the clarity and detail of the remembered information.

mind like a steel trap

Figurative expression for an extremely retentive memory.

unforgettable memory

Highlights the lasting impact and clarity of a past event in one's mind.

long-term memory

Refers to ability to recall events and information for extended periods.

short-term memory

Refers to ability to retain information temporarily

FAQs

What does it mean to have "a photographic memory"?

Having "a photographic memory", also known as eidetic memory, implies the ability to recall images or information with great accuracy and detail, almost as if one is looking at a photograph.

Is "a photographic memory" the same as having a good memory?

No, having "a photographic memory" is not the same as having a good memory. While both involve remembering information, "a photographic memory" suggests a near-perfect recall of visual details, whereas a good memory simply indicates a strong ability to remember things in general.

How can I describe someone who has an excellent memory?

Instead of saying someone has "a photographic memory", you can use alternative phrases like "exceptional recall", "remarkable memory", or "vivid memory" to describe their excellent memory skills.

What is another term for "a photographic memory"?

Another term for "a photographic memory" is "eidetic memory", which is often used in scientific contexts to describe the ability to vividly recall images after only a brief exposure.