a touching memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touching memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a memory that evokes strong emotions, often related to nostalgia or sentimentality. Example: "As she looked through the old photo album, she was flooded with a touching memory of her childhood summers spent at the lake with her family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was a touching memory Florence painted for me of growing up in a brownstone in Harlem, still an immigrant neighborhood then.

Huffington Post

Before pieces are listed for sale, there's an accompanying story attached to each garment (like a touching memory the former owner has attached to a beloved Helmut Lang leather jacket), and shoppers can receive updates when users add new pieces to their closet, affectionately referred to on the site as "stalking".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Don't forget to throw in a fond or touching memory that sticks with you. 5. To that teacher who stuck with you all these years.

Huffington Post

"I will treasure the touching memory of the personal and close dialogue with which the Holy Father has consented to accompany my commitment with the government".

BBC

The beautiful, touching memories continue as Devra Renner remembers, "I recall as a kid my mother would become so shrecked (terrible, fearful, monstrous) at the thought of being late to Kol Nidre, she would become a lunatic about getting to the synagogue.

Huffington Post

When you come right down to it, for most of us, if we go down memory lane, our fondest and most touching memories involve people and relationships – not objects, not crises, not "perfect moments".

WikiHow

One synagogue has a rose window and some touching memorials ("in loving memory of Sonny Solomon, flying officer RAF, killed over France, 1944"), but it was the other that attracted me because it was lighter and whiter and supported by cast-iron pillars that are rumoured to have come from Glasgow.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which could explain why Damon wrote a touching essay about his memories of the Boston Marathon for the local paper weeks before the heartbreaking attack took place on April 15.

Huffington Post

There is a touching description in his childhood memoir, Small Memories, of how his grandparents in Azinhaga would take ailing piglets into their warm bed, since the whole family depended on their survival.

The Guardian - Books

Most memorably Mr. Kashner creates a touching, intimate evocation of the Beat twilight, with Kerouac and Neal Cassady only much-invoked memories and the group's rogue behavior beginning to wear thin.

The New York Times - Books

It is a touching sight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touching memory" to convey a sense of emotional resonance and personal significance. It works well in narrative contexts or when reflecting on past events.

Common error

Avoid using "a touching memory" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral or analytical language unless the emotional aspect is central to your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touching memory" functions as a noun phrase, where "touching" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "memory". It describes a specific type of memory characterized by its emotional impact. Ludwig confirms this usage through examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touching memory" is a phrase used to describe a recollection that evokes strong emotions and sentimentality. Ludwig confirms that its structure is correct and provides examples demonstrating its use in different narrative contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the tone of your writing when using this phrase. As Ludwig highlights, using more formal synonyms may be more appropriate for some situations. Its frequency is common, appearing most often in News & Media, personal blogs and wiki articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heartfelt remembrance

Emphasizes the emotional depth and sincerity of the memory.

a poignant recollection

Highlights the bittersweet or melancholic nature of the memory.

a cherished memory

Focuses on the value and importance of the memory.

a fond remembrance

Implies affection and warmth associated with the memory.

a moving experience recalled

Shifts the focus to the original experience and its emotional impact.

an emotional episode remembered

Highlights the emotional intensity and episodic nature of the memory.

a sentimental reminiscence

Emphasizes the nostalgic and tender aspect of the memory.

a tender mental picture

Replaces the abstract 'memory' with a more concrete image, emphasizing gentleness.

an affecting memory

Uses a slightly more formal tone to express the emotional impact of the memory.

a treasured moment relived

Combines the ideas of value and revisiting the past.

FAQs

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

You can use "a touching memory" to describe a past event that evokes strong emotions, such as nostalgia or fondness. For example, "The old photograph triggered "a touching memory" of her childhood."

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

You can use alternatives like "a heartfelt remembrance", "a poignant recollection", or "a cherished memory" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a touching memory" and "a fond memory"?

"A touching memory" emphasizes the emotional impact and sentimentality of the memory, while "a fond memory" suggests affection and warmth. The former is generally more profound and emotionally resonant.

Is "a touching memory" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a touching memory" might be too sentimental for formal or academic writing. Consider using more neutral terms like "a significant event" or "an important recollection" in those contexts.