a selective memory

USAGE SUMMARY

'a selective memory' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a tendency to remember and focus on certain memories while ignoring others. For example: "John has a selective memory and only remembers the happy moments from his childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"People tend to have a selective memory," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

But people tend to have a selective memory.

The New York Times - Sports

History ultimately has a selective memory, a tolerance for human indulgence.

The New York Times - Sports

A selective memory of the past may prove worse than no memory at all.Suggested reading:T.

The Economist

A wistful Tim Henman, gamely pretending that he was not talking about himself, wished that Murray could be endowed with "a selective memory".

Independent

Saint-Gaudens would draw a blank when asked later to recall any "amorous adventure" abroad, although, as is clear from these pages, the sculptor had a selective memory.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But she protected herself by developing a carefully selective memory, a vengeful intelligence and a talent for holding herself aloof.

The New York Times - Books

And that apparently takes a family of fall guys (or gals), along with a highly selective memory.

The New York Times

I think about how stupid some people were and tell myself that they have a very selective memory".

The Guardian - Sport

The current results raise the possibility that a less selective memory consolidation process, present in 9 and 12-year-olds, may be substituted by or modified to, a more selective one, after puberty.

Plosone

However, the ability to co-consolidate different, successive motor experiences, demonstrated in both the 9 and 12-year-olds, diminishes after puberty, suggesting that a more selective memory consolidation process takes over from the childhood one.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a selective memory" to subtly imply bias or self-deception in someone's recollection of events. For instance, describing a politician's account of their past actions as having "a selective memory" suggests they are not presenting the full picture.

Common error

Avoid automatically framing "a selective memory" as a sign of dishonesty or manipulation. Memory is inherently fallible and influenced by personal experiences and emotions. Consider the possibility of unintentional bias before attributing malicious intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a selective memory" functions as a noun phrase, where "selective" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "memory". It describes a particular quality or characteristic of memory. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and commonly used English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a selective memory" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a biased or incomplete recollection of events. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for various contexts, from formal news reports to casual conversations. While often implying a negative connotation of skewed perception, it can also serve as a coping mechanism. Related phrases include "biased recollection" and "partial remembrance", each with slightly different nuances. Remember that assuming malice based solely on "a selective memory" can be misleading, as memory is inherently fallible. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase frequently appears in News & Media and Scientific sources, indicating its relevance across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selective recall

Focuses on the act of remembering certain things.

filtered memory

Highlights that memories are processed and altered.

edited memory

Similar to filtered, highlights the manipulation of memories.

biased recollection

Focuses on the bias aspect of memory, rather than the act of selecting memories.

subjective recall

Highlights the personal interpretation of memories.

partial remembrance

Emphasizes the incompleteness of the memory.

distorted memory

Emphasizes the alteration and inaccuracy of the memory.

fragmentary memory

Highlights the incomplete and broken nature of the memory.

convenient amnesia

Suggests a deliberate forgetting of inconvenient facts.

rosy retrospection

Specifically refers to remembering the past more positively than it was.

FAQs

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

You can use "a selective memory" to describe someone who remembers specific details while omitting others, often to suit their narrative. For example, "The witness had "a selective memory", recalling only the events that supported his claim."

What's the difference between "a selective memory" and "a false memory"?

"A selective memory" involves emphasizing certain real memories while downplaying others. In contrast, "a false memory" is a completely fabricated memory of an event that never occurred.

What can I say instead of "a selective memory"?

You can use alternatives like "biased recollection", "partial remembrance", or "filtered memory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is having "a selective memory" always a bad thing?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, "a selective memory" can be a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to focus on positive experiences and avoid dwelling on negative ones. However, it can also lead to skewed perceptions and biased decision-making.