a wonderful memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wonderful memory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a pleasant or cherished recollection from the past. Example: "Looking through old photographs always brings back a wonderful memory of our family vacations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Each stage brings a wonderful memory.

The Guardian

At length an attractive… Hugh Forester had a wonderful memory for dates, names and almost everything.

The New Yorker

Hugh Forester had a wonderful memory for dates, names and almost everything.

The New Yorker

"My father didn't know how to read or write, but God blessed him with a wonderful memory," says Abdullah.

The Guardian

The New Yorker, February 7 , 1953 P. 29Hugh Forester had a wonderful memory for dates, names and almost everything.

The New Yorker

He has a wonderful memory, an extraordinary, and perhaps sometimes slightly overdeveloped, sensitivity to language, is amazingly industrious and is a very remarkable reader of verse.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

I have a really wonderful memory of just me and him in his basement.

Huffington Post

Among a thousand wonderful memories, this is my favorite example of New York wit: A splendid, sunny autumn day.

The New York Times

It's a wonderful thing, memory, and even more wonderful to dream it back to substantiality on the page.

The New Yorker

After a disappointing fourth-place finish in 1998 in Nagano, Japan, Eldredge wanted a last chance at creating a wonderful lasting memory at the Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

He was a formidably, spontaneously eloquent man gifted with a wonderful verbal memory: he once recited the whole of one of Philip Larkin's less well-known poems to me, and another time several prose paragraphs from the philosopher EM Cioran.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past events, use "a wonderful memory" to convey positive feelings and significant emotional impact. This phrase is effective in personal narratives, historical accounts, and celebratory contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a wonderful memory" excessively in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or analytical language is required. Opt for more neutral terms like "significant event" or "notable experience" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wonderful memory" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, the expression is considered grammatically correct and usable. It serves to describe a specific recollection or event that is viewed positively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a wonderful memory" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey positive feelings about a past event or recollection. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in narrative and descriptive writing. While commonly found in news and media, as well as in academic settings, it is crucial to consider the tone and register of your writing, as overuse in overly formal contexts might be perceived as inappropriate. Consider using alternatives like "a cherished memory" or "a treasured recollection" to vary your language while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cherished memory

Emphasizes the emotional value and how dearly the memory is held.

a beautiful memory

Highlights the aesthetic or emotional beauty of the memory.

a delightful memory

Highlights the pleasant and enjoyable nature of the memory.

a treasured recollection

Focuses on the act of remembering something valuable and significant.

a golden memory

Highlights the precious and high value of the memory.

a fond remembrance

Indicates an affectionate and warm feeling associated with the memory.

a priceless memory

Emphasizes the high value and irreplaceability of the memory.

a pleasant experience to recall

Shifts the focus to the act of recalling a positive experience.

an unforgettable moment

Highlights the lasting impact and significance of the memory.

a positive recollection

Simply emphasizes the positive nature of the memory.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wonderful memory" to describe a positive recollection from the past. For example, "Visiting my grandparents' farm is "a wonderful memory" I will always cherish".

What are some alternatives to "a wonderful memory"?

Some alternatives include "a cherished memory", "a delightful memory", or "a treasured recollection" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a wonderful memory" in formal writing?

While "a wonderful memory" is generally acceptable, it may be more suitable for personal or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral phrases like "significant event" or "positive experience".

What's the difference between "a wonderful memory" and "a good memory"?

"A wonderful memory" conveys a stronger sense of positive emotion and significance compared to "a good memory", which is more general. "Wonderful" implies a deeper level of appreciation and joy in the recollection.