as i remember

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as I remember" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when recalling information or experiences from memory, often to indicate that the speaker is not entirely certain about the details. Example: "As I remember, the meeting was scheduled for 10 AM last Tuesday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not as I remember it.

The New Yorker

"About as loud as I remember".

The New York Times - Sports

AHRENS: As far as I remember, yes.

Yale University

Pretty much as I remember it.

The New Yorker

"You look exactly as I remember you".

The New Yorker

"It's true as I remember it".

The New York Times - Books

It comes down "heads" repeatedly as I remember.

The Guardian

As I remember it, she left after a year.

The New York Times

As I remember it, the food was fantastic.

The New York Times

Both were tall and, as I remember, oddly diffident.

The New Yorker

As I remember that bit, Sid Caesar was a gangster.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider more precise alternatives such as "to the best of my recollection" or "if I remember correctly" to convey a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "as I remember" when you have concrete evidence or documentation to support a claim. The phrase suggests uncertainty, which can undermine your credibility if you possess more reliable information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as I remember" functions as a disclaimer or qualifier, indicating that the information being presented is based on the speaker's or writer's memory, which might be imperfect. Ludwig confirms its usability. It sets a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as I remember" is a common and grammatically sound way to preface information based on one's memory, acknowledging potential inaccuracies. Ludwig confirms its broad usability. While versatile, more formal alternatives like "to the best of my recollection" may be preferable in professional contexts. It appears frequently in news and media, reflecting its use in reporting recollections, and is also present in academic settings. When using "as I remember", ensure you are not overstating certainty when more reliable information is available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as I recall it

A very close synonym, placing emphasis on the act of recalling.

if I remember correctly

Similar in meaning, directly questioning the correctness of the memory.

the way I remember it

Emphasizes personal perspective and subjective recall.

to the best of my recollection

More formal and emphasizes the effort to recall accurately.

in my recollection

Focuses on personal recollection, can be slightly more formal.

from what I can recall

Focuses on the act of recalling rather than the certainty of the memory.

if my memory serves me right

Adds a touch of uncertainty and acknowledges the possibility of error.

what I seem to remember is

Implies a degree of vagueness or uncertainty in the memory.

as far as I can tell

Indicates a degree of uncertainty based on available information, not solely memory.

from my perspective

Shifts the focus to a personal viewpoint, not necessarily memory-based.

FAQs

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

You can use "as I remember" to introduce a statement that is based on your recollection, but you are not completely sure about the details. For example, "As I remember, the store used to close at 9 PM".

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

You can use alternatives like "if I recall correctly", "to the best of my recollection", or "as far as I can remember" depending on the context.

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

While "as I remember" is grammatically correct, it's generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "to the best of my recollection" or "if memory serves" for a more professional tone.

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

"As I remember" and "as I recall" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. However, "as I recall" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "as I remember".