an exceptional memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exceptional memory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has an outstanding ability to remember information or experiences. Example: "Her ability to recall details from years ago demonstrates that she has an exceptional memory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He said he had an "exceptional memory", as anyone who knew him would testify.

The Guardian

In other words he had an exceptional memory for things he heard.

The Guardian - Film

He had an exceptional memory that allowed him to assume an air of superficial mastery.

The New Yorker

He has an exceptional memory, and he works 60 hours a week.

The New York Times

Chao Lu is the holder of the Guinness World Record for reciting the most decimal positions of pi, yet he lacks an exceptional memory span for digits.

Cognitive Psychology

Joshua Foer finds himself the winner of a memory contest without any prior claims to an exceptional memory.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Last month, this invaluable text was joined by an exceptional memoir, Memories of Ted Hughes, 1952-63 by his Cambridge friend Daniel Huws (Five Leaves, £5.99), published in an exquisite paperback edition by the contemporary designer Richard Hollis.

The Guardian - Books

Based in part on a book about autistic musical savants and also on a case study I did of a woman with exceptional memory, my guess is that autistic children don't have fundamentally different memories than other people, but they often have much greater concentration, and over long periods of time that degree of concentration allows them to develop sophisticated techniques for remembering music.

The New York Times

He was also endowed with a discriminating eye, exceptional memory, perceptive intelligence, and humanistic learning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But I believe it's a mistake to explain all cases of exceptional memory for seemingly "random" information as a result of conscious mnemonic encoding.

Huffington Post

Did an exceptional visual memory give Picasso an edge in his capacity for artistic excellence?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's memory, consider specifying the type of information they recall exceptionally well (e.g., "an exceptional memory for faces", "an exceptional memory for historical dates").

Common error

Avoid using "an exceptional memory" as a generic compliment. Instead, provide concrete examples of their remarkable recall to make your description more impactful and believable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exceptional memory" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "exceptional" modifies the noun "memory". It characterizes a memory capability that is significantly above average. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exceptional memory" is a phrase used to describe a remarkably good ability to remember things. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "remarkable memory" and "extraordinary memory" exist, "an exceptional memory" is a clear and effective way to convey the idea of superior memory skills. Remember to provide specific examples of this ability to make your descriptions more compelling. It's a common phrase that is generally neutral in tone and appropriate for a wide range of settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable memory

Focuses on the noteworthiness of the memory ability.

extraordinary memory

Emphasizes the unusual nature of the memory skill.

prodigious memory

Highlights the expansive capacity of the memory.

superior memory skills

Highlights skills that go beyond normal memory capacity.

uncommon memory

Highlights how it's not ordinary memory skill.

photographic memory

Refers to the ability to recall images in vivid detail.

eidetic memory

Describes the ability to recall images with high precision for a period of time after seeing it.

impressive recall ability

Focuses on the act of retrieving information effectively.

highly developed memory

Highlights the amount of work done to make the memory skill exceptional.

unerring memory

Stresses the accuracy and reliability of the memory.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with a great memory?

You can use phrases like "remarkable memory", "extraordinary memory", or "prodigious memory" to describe someone with an excellent ability to remember things.

Is there a difference between "an exceptional memory" and "photographic memory"?

"An exceptional memory" is a general term for excellent memory skills. "Photographic memory", also known as "eidetic memory", specifically refers to the ability to vividly recall images with high precision after only seeing them once.

What are some contexts where I might use the phrase "an exceptional memory"?

The phrase "an exceptional memory" can be used in various contexts, such as describing a historian with an incredible recall of dates, a musician who remembers complex melodies effortlessly, or a witness who can recount details of an event with accuracy.

Is it better to say "exceptional memory" or "excellent memory"?

Both "exceptional memory" and "excellent memory" are correct. "Exceptional" implies a higher degree of being outstanding or rare, so "an exceptional memory" might suggest a more extraordinary ability than "an excellent memory".