because memory failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "because memory failed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to explain a situation where someone forgets something or is unable to recall information. Example: "I couldn't remember the name of the restaurant we visited last week, because memory failed at that moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"When pressed, his memory failed".

The New York Times

But Justice Thomas's memory failed him.

The New York Times

Jeff Sessions's memory failed him last week.

The Washington Post

His memory failed, and his emotions flared inexplicably.

The New York Times

And the hard drive for his muscle memory failed.

The New York Times - Sports

What if memory fails?

The New Yorker

As with most calamities in history, our collective memory fails because the collective memory can bear only so much.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because memory, particularly historical memory, fails unfailingly, this summer feels like a uniquely horrific season of dissolution and blood.

The New Yorker

Long before the invention of CinemaScope, movies found space for big men — not the beanpoles or the beefcakes but the frame-fillers,… Because memory, particularly historical memory, fails unfailingly, this summer feels like a uniquely horrific season of dissolution and blood.

The New Yorker

And my memory fails me.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We might even see her memory fail.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "because memory failed", ensure the context clearly indicates what the memory failure is impacting. For instance, "I couldn't recall the details because memory failed me at that moment."

Common error

Avoid using "because memory failed" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "due to a lapse in memory" or "owing to cognitive impairment" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "because memory failed" functions as a causal connector, linking a reason (memory failure) to a consequence. It indicates that an inability to recall or remember something is the direct cause of a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Academia

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Science

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "because memory failed" serves as a causal connector, explaining a lack of recall or remembrance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, but also highlights its relatively neutral formality. Depending on the context, consider opting for alternatives such as "due to a lapse in memory" or "owing to cognitive impairment" for more formal settings, or simpler options like "because I forgot" in informal contexts. Due to the absence of usage examples, its frequency remains 'missing'. When used, ensure the context clearly indicates the impact of the memory failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to memory lapse

Uses a more formal noun phrase to indicate a temporary failure of memory.

as memory faltered

Employs a more poetic verb to describe the weakening of memory.

since memory was unreliable

Introduces the unreliability of memory as the reason for an outcome.

given the failing memory

Highlights the declining state of memory as a cause.

as recollection faded

Focuses on the gradual disappearance of a memory.

because recall was impaired

Indicates that the ability to remember was diminished.

owing to poor memory

States that the reason is the low quality or effectiveness of memory.

since remembrance slipped

Suggests the memory quietly disappeared from consciousness.

due to a cognitive deficit

Replaces memory failure with a more clinical term indicating a broader mental impairment.

as mental retrieval weakened

Describes the active process of accessing memory becoming less effective.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "because memory failed" in a formal setting?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "due to a lapse in memory", "owing to a cognitive deficit", or "as a result of impaired recall" to maintain a professional tone. These phrases offer more precision and sophistication compared to the more direct "because memory failed".

What's a simple way to say "because memory failed"?

For simpler alternatives, you can use phrases like "because I forgot", "since I couldn't remember", or "as my memory faded". These options are more conversational and suitable for informal settings.

Is "because memory failed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "because memory failed" is grammatically correct. It functions as a causal connector, explaining the reason for an inability to remember something. However, consider the context and choose a more appropriate alternative if needed.

When is it best to use "because memory failed" versus other alternatives?

"Because memory failed" is generally suitable for informal and neutral contexts. In more formal settings, alternatives such as "due to memory lapse" or "owing to cognitive deficit" might be more appropriate. The best choice depends on the desired tone and audience.