as far as I can remember

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as far as I can remember" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that while you are making a statement or assertion you are only making it based upon your memory, and that you may not be completely sure of all of the details. Example: As far as I can remember, the train was scheduled to depart at 9:00am.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not as far as I can remember".

The Guardian - Music

No one dropped dead as far as I can remember.

Independent

He failed: "As far as I can remember, it's 2015".

The Guardian - Opinion

His own music, as far as I can remember, was rambunctious, jazzy, a little nuts.

The New Yorker

The crack, as far as I can remember, made me think about earthquakes, and drought.

Independent

Kevin, as far as I can remember, remains fairly immobile and unmoved.

The New Yorker

She never looked up, as far as I can remember, to face this scowling man.

The New Yorker

My interest in cooking dates back as far as I can remember!

The New Yorker

As far as I can remember, the idea for this one just popped into my head.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

As far back as I can remember, I remember Arik Sharon.

The New Yorker

By Ari Shavit As far back as I can remember, I remember Arik Sharon.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "as far as I can remember" with specific details to add credibility, showing you're making an honest attempt to recall accurately.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "as far as I can remember". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

"As far as I can remember" functions as a hedge, qualifying a statement to indicate it is based on the speaker's memory, which may not be perfect. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts to soften assertions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"As far as I can remember" is a common and correct phrase used to express uncertainty or incomplete recall, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to soften statements and acknowledge potential inaccuracies. While grammatically sound, writers should avoid overuse. Alternatives like "to the best of my recollection" offer more formal substitutes. In summary, this phrase is a practical tool for honest and cautious communication across various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the best of my recollection

Emphasizes the act of recalling information from memory.

if my memory serves me right

Highlights the potential fallibility of memory as a condition.

from what I recall

Directly indicates the speaker's remembrance of events or details.

as I recall

A more concise version of expressing memory-based information.

if I remember correctly

Introduces a statement contingent on the accuracy of one's memory.

as best as I can remember

Acknowledges the limitations and potential inaccuracies in one's memory more explicitly.

to my knowledge

Indicates information is true based on what the speaker knows, which may include memories.

if my memory doesn't fail me

A slightly more emphatic way to express reliance on one's memory.

to the best of my understanding

Expresses a belief based on one's interpretation and memory of information.

what I can bring to mind

Focuses on the act of retrieving information from memory at the present moment.

FAQs

How can I use "as far as I can remember" in a sentence?

You can use "as far as I can remember" to express uncertainty about a past event or fact, like "As far as I can remember, we turned left at the corner".

What's a more formal way to say "as far as I can remember"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "to the best of my recollection" or "if my memory serves me right".

Is it better to say "as far as I can remember" or "as far as I recall"?

Both "as far as I can remember" and "as far as I recall" are acceptable. The choice depends on personal preference, though "as far as I can remember" might subtly suggest a more distant or less clear memory.

When is it appropriate to use "as far as I can remember"?

Use "as far as I can remember" when providing information based on your memory but acknowledging that your recollection might be incomplete or not entirely accurate. It's suitable in casual conversations, professional settings, and legal testimonies where absolute certainty isn't possible.