a severe memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a severe memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a memory that is intense, impactful, or difficult to bear. Example: "After the accident, she was haunted by a severe memory that replayed in her mind every night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The kid probably WOULD NOT say, "Mom, I'm fourteen," unless the mother had a severe memory problem.

Huffington Post

Netanyahu has often been accused of having a severe memory problem, but electing him PM for the second time this coming Tuesday, will prove that memory loss is a national epidemic.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Patients with AD-LBV exhibit a more aggressive disease course, a more severe memory impairment, and a more rapid rate of cognitive decline compared with AD patients without Lewy body pathology [ 9].

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

Cognitive outcomes were assessed using the 35-item modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status at last follow-up with incident severe cognitive impairment defined as a score ≤8, and incident severe memory impairment defined as a score ≤1 on a 20-item memory subscale.

American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

By Andy Borowitz November 4, 2014 WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report) — Exit polls conducted across the country on Election Day indicate a nation suffering from severe memory loss, those who conducted the polls confirmed Tuesday night.

The New Yorker

WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report) — Exit polls conducted across the country on Election Day indicate a nation suffering from severe memory loss, those who conducted the polls confirmed Tuesday night.

The New Yorker

CCI caused lesions on the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, which have a direct correlation to severe memory loss and learning deficit [ 36].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

So if we end up comatose after an accident, or with severe memory loss in old age, we're kept alive, regardless of the cost and regardless of what our wishes might be or how grim the prognosis.

Los Angeles Times

But medical experts who testified on Mr. Stanford's behalf, including a neurologist and two forensic psychiatrists, said he had sustained a brain injury in the fight that caused severe memory loss and an inability to think clearly.

The New York Times

In both basic and fully adjusted logistic regression models there was an increase in the odds of severe memory impairment for participants with a history of AUDs (Table 2).

American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

The same seventy-five per cent also reported "moderate to severe" memory loss, a seeming rebuff to the well-financed pro-forgetfulness lobby.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a severe memory", consider the context to ensure the intensity of the memory aligns with the situation being described. Alternatives like "a traumatic memory" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "a severe memory" when describing mildly unpleasant or easily forgotten events. Reserve it for truly impactful or emotionally challenging recollections to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a severe memory" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "severe" modifies the noun "memory". It describes a memory that is intense, impactful, or difficult to bear, as indicated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a severe memory" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a recollection with significant emotional or impactful weight. As confirmed by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news and scientific contexts. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, it effectively conveys the intensity of a memory, with alternatives like "a traumatic memory" or "an intense memory" offering similar connotations. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to consider the context to ensure the severity aligns accurately with the experience being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a traumatic memory

Emphasizes the distressing and emotionally damaging nature of the memory.

an intense memory

Highlights the high emotional or sensory impact of the memory.

a vivid memory

Focuses on the clarity and realism of the memory.

a haunting memory

Suggests that the memory is persistently distressing and difficult to forget.

a painful recollection

Underscores the emotional suffering associated with the memory.

a deeply ingrained memory

Highlights how firmly the memory is established in the mind.

a powerful memory

Stresses the strength and impact of the memory.

an unforgettable memory

Indicates that the memory is impossible to forget due to its significance.

a lasting memory

Highlights the enduring nature of the memory.

an impactful memory

Focuses on the significant effect or influence of the memory.

FAQs

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

You can use "a severe memory" to describe a recollection that is intensely impactful or emotionally distressing. For example, "The accident left her with "a severe memory" that she couldn't shake."

What are some alternatives to "a severe memory"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "a traumatic memory", "an intense memory", or "a haunting memory".

When is it appropriate to use "a severe memory" versus "a vivid memory"?

"A severe memory" implies a strong, often negative, emotional impact, while "a vivid memory" simply means the recollection is clear and detailed. Choose "a severe memory" when emphasizing the emotional weight of the memory.

Can "a severe memory" refer to both positive and negative experiences?

While "severe" often carries a negative connotation, "a severe memory" could technically describe an intensely positive experience, though it's more commonly used for negative or traumatic events. Consider using alternatives like "an unforgettable memory" for positive contexts.