a recollection of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a recollection of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a memory or remembrance of a specific event, person, or experience. Example: "Her story was a beautiful recollection of the summer they spent together by the lake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A recollection of a stinky sophomore year passed through me.

The New York Times

In desecration is found a recollection of the divine.

The New York Times - Books

So I do not have a recollection of seeing that.

The New York Times

Now it's no longer a work of anticipation, but a recollection of the recent past.

The New York Times

An undisciplined guard might make a mistake, accidentally providing a recollection of human life.

The New York Times

"I have a recollection of heading in her direction," Mr. Garcia replied.

The New York Times

Our conversation had prompted a recollection of love and riots at another time and place.

The Guardian

Which is, perhaps, a sadly appropriate note on which to end a recollection of 2016.

The New Yorker

(In the Paris Review last year, Cullman wrote a recollection of meeting Drake).

The New Yorker

It's a recollection of that time when you got the tattoo and the reason you got it," Mr. Coppoletta said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it is, among other things, a simple nostalgia album, a wartime album, a heading-toward-catastrophe album and a recollection-of-innocence album.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a recollection of" when you want to emphasize a personal or subjective remembering of an event, rather than a purely factual account. It adds a layer of individual perspective to the memory.

Common error

Avoid using "a recollection of" when presenting verifiable data or information that should be objective. Stick to phrases like "according to records" or "the evidence suggests" when factual accuracy is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a recollection of" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It introduces a subjective or personal remembrance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, demonstrating its appropriateness in formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a recollection of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing memories and personal accounts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to literary descriptions. While alternatives like "a memory of" exist, "a recollection of" emphasizes a subjective and thoughtful remembrance. When using this phrase, consider its formality and avoid it in contexts requiring purely objective data. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian further validates its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a memory of

Focuses more on the mental image or feeling associated with the past event.

a remembrance of

Emphasizes the act of remembering, often with a sense of respect or sentimentality.

an account of

Suggests a more structured and detailed description of a past event.

a mental picture of

Highlights the visual aspect of the memory.

a flashback to

Implies a sudden and vivid reliving of a past experience.

a review of

Focuses on examining past events with the goal of making judgement.

a narrative of

Emphasizes the storytelling aspect of recounting past events.

an echo of

Highlights the lingering impact or faint resemblance to a past event.

a trace of

Focuses on minimal signs or indications that are reminiscent of past events.

a reflection on

Emphasizes a thoughtful consideration of past events and their significance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a recollection of" to describe someone's memory or remembrance of an event, for example: "Her book is a vivid recollection of her childhood in rural France."

What are some alternatives to "a recollection of"?

Alternatives include "a memory of", "an account of", or "a remembrance of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "recollection of" formal or informal?

"Recollection of" tends to be more formal than simply saying "memory of". It's suitable for academic writing, news reports, or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "a recollection of" and "a reminder of"?

"A recollection of" refers to actively remembering something from the past, while "a reminder of" refers to something that prompts you to remember. A photograph might be a reminder of an event, prompting a recollection of it.