as I recall

USAGE SUMMARY

"as I recall" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you are referring to specific facts or events that you remember. For example, "As I recall, I attended the meeting last Wednesday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In wintertime, as I recall,.

The New Yorker

As I recall, a live tantrum ensued.

The New York Times

"Weeks before, as I recall.

The New Yorker

It never was impeccable, as I recall.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No one, as I recall, smiled much.

The Guardian - Sport

As I recall, The V Foundation won.

The New York Times - Sports

"Mainly paperwork and backgammon, as I recall".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

9) AFAIR As Far As I Recall.

The Guardian - Books

"It was quite intense as I recall.

The Guardian - Music

"He came last, though, as I recall".

The Guardian - Sport

As I recall, a great deal.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as I recall" to introduce a statement based on your memory, especially when you want to acknowledge that your recollection might not be perfectly accurate.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "as I recall" in a single piece of writing. Vary your sentence structure with alternatives like "if I remember correctly" or "from what I remember" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as I recall" functions as a memory disclaimer, introducing a statement based on the speaker's or writer's recollection. It indicates that what follows is remembered, but may not be a completely accurate representation of the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as I recall" is a frequently used phrase that introduces a statement based on memory, acknowledging potential inaccuracies. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "to the best of my recollection". While the phrase is versatile, avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity. The Ludwig examples highlight its function as a tool for qualifying statements with a hint of uncertainty. Remember to vary your sentence structure to enhance readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from what I remember

Slightly less formal, focusing on the basis of the statement.

as far as I can remember

Emphasizes the limits of one's memory.

if I remember correctly

More formal alternative that emphasizes accuracy of memory.

in my recollection

A more formal way of stating what one remembers.

if my memory serves me right

Figurative language adding a touch of personality; indicates reliance on one's memory.

if I'm not mistaken

Expresses uncertainty, suggesting the possibility of being wrong.

to the best of my recollection

Highly formal and precise, indicating a careful attempt to remember accurately.

I seem to remember

Indicates a vague or uncertain recollection.

I believe

More direct and confident, but can still imply a degree of uncertainty.

my understanding is

Focuses on conveying one's current understanding, possibly based on memory.

FAQs

How can I use "as I recall" in a sentence?

You can use "as I recall" to introduce a statement based on your memory, like "As I recall, the meeting was scheduled for Tuesday."

What's the difference between "as I recall" and "if I remember correctly"?

While both phrases introduce a statement based on memory, "if I remember correctly" ("if I remember correctly") is generally more formal and emphasizes the potential for error in one's recollection, whereas "as I recall" is slightly less formal.

What can I say instead of "as I recall"?

You can use alternatives like "to the best of my recollection" ("to the best of my recollection"), "from what I remember" ("from what I remember"), or "if my memory serves me right" ("if my memory serves me right") depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "as I recall" in formal writing?

Yes, "as I recall" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but phrases like "to the best of my recollection" ("to the best of my recollection") may be preferred for a more polished tone.