as a memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that serves as a recollection or reminder of a past event or experience. Example: "I keep this photograph on my desk as a memory of our wonderful vacation together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is as pure as a memory.

The New York Times

For years, it barely existed as a memory.

The New York Times

The story is told as a memory of this period.

The New Yorker

We'll always have that day as a memory".

The Guardian - Sport

Using this nonlinear effect as a memory was first proposed in highly nonlinear fibre22, 28.

Nature

Firefox 2 was heavily criticised as a memory hog, for having memory leaks.

The Guardian - Tech

To Edmund, it works both as a loss of memory and as a memory of loss.

The New Yorker

Many think of Alzheimer's as a memory disease, but its awful mysteries involve more than that.

The New York Times

Mind-numbing shock, and it's very difficult to live with as a memory.

The Guardian - Music

It was told mostly as a memory by cops who had been there a long time.

The Guardian - Books

As an author, I can thoroughly recommend memoir writing as a memory boost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a memory" to convey the idea of something serving as a reminder or a way to remember a past event, person, or experience. It adds a personal or emotional touch to the writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as a memory" when a more direct term like "reminder" or "souvenir" would be clearer. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound sentimental or vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a memory" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. It indicates the purpose or role of something in relation to past experiences or recollections, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a memory" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating that something serves as a reminder or evocation of the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears frequently in news, science, and academic contexts. When writing, remember that while the phrase is versatile, it is best suited for situations where you want to emphasize the personal or emotional connection to past events, and avoid overuse where more direct terms would suffice. Consider alternatives like "in remembrance" or "keepsake" to achieve subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in remembrance

Focuses specifically on remembering or honoring someone or something.

for remembrance

Highlights the purpose of keeping something in one's memory.

in commemoration

Emphasizes a formal act of honoring a person or event.

serving as a keepsake

Highlights the function of preserving a memory in a tangible form.

by way of reminder

Focuses on the aspect of prompting recollection.

to serve as a memento

Highlights its function as a souvenir or token of remembrance.

for future recollection

Emphasizes the intended purpose of recalling something later.

as a record

Stresses the aspect of preserving information for posterity.

in memorial

Refers to something created to honor the memory of a person or event.

to immortalize

Implies preserving a memory indefinitely.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a memory" to describe something that serves to remind you of a past event or person. For example: "I keep this photograph on my desk "as a memory" of our trip to Italy."

What are some alternatives to "as a memory"?

Alternatives include "in remembrance", "serving as a keepsake", or "to serve as a memento", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "as a memory of"?

Yes, "as a memory of" is a correct and commonly used construction. It clarifies that something is acting as a reminder specifically of something else.

How does "as a memory" differ from "in memory of"?

"As a memory" describes something that evokes a past experience, while "in memory of" is used to honor someone who has died, often seen on memorials or dedications.