begin to remember

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to remember" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of starting to recall something from memory. Example: "As she looked through the old photographs, she began to remember the joyful moments of her childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"I couldn't begin to remember what he said.

The New York Times

What openings and strategies we exchanged over the next three hours, I can't begin to remember.

The New York Times

People refer to each other by name until we begin to remember their names.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I can't begin to remember how a 34-year-old mind works or body works.

The Washington Post

They begin to remember that the dictator had a vision of the country's greatness, and that he was a strong man; they begin to remember that he had given much to the poor.

The New Yorker

You begin to remember wearing Christmas jumpers in the olden days, when Nana was still with us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The walls begin to wake up, and it begins to remember what it's here for".

The New York Times

I began to remember the strong feelings of hunger I had as a child.

The New York Times

She stirred from her delirium "just a little bit," Mr. London recalled, and began to remember where she was.

The New York Times

I found the process helpful because I began to remember that I did not die when my dad was murdered.

The Guardian

"I began to remember what it was like to read a paper on Sunday morning with somebody, and you don't have to talk," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin to remember" to describe a gradual or dawning realization, especially when piecing together fragmented memories or recalling something after a period of forgetfulness.

Common error

Avoid using "begin to remember" when describing an immediate or instantaneous recall. Instead, opt for phrases like "instantly remembered" or "immediately recalled" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to remember" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a cognitive process. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English, describing the start of recalling something from memory. The examples in Ludwig showcase the phrase's use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin to remember" correctly describes the process of starting to recall something from memory. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English. Appearing frequently in news and media, with considerable presence in academic sources, this phrase suits various contexts, indicating the commencement of a cognitive process. For describing related events, consider alternatives such as "start to recall", "come to remember", or "gradually remember". To avoid confusion, be careful not to utilize "begin to remember" when referencing events you want to describe as an immediate or instantaneous recall; it's better to say "instantly remembered" or "immediately recalled".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to recall

Nearly synonymous, but 'recall' can sometimes suggest a more complete retrieval.

start to recall

Focuses on the commencement of the act of recalling something.

begin to recollect

Very similar, with 'recollect' often implying piecing together fragmented memories.

start remembering

A more general way of saying that the process of remembering is commencing.

start to recollect

Similar to 'recall', but often implies a more deliberate and effortful process of remembering.

come to remember

Indicates a realization or a process of eventually remembering.

gradually remember

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the remembering process.

slowly remember

Similar to 'gradually remember', highlighting the pace of recall.

awaken memory

A more figurative and evocative way to express the start of remembering.

stir memory

Focuses on stimulating a dormant memory.

FAQs

How can I use "begin to remember" in a sentence?

You can use "begin to remember" to describe the initial stage of recalling something, as in, "As I looked through the old photos, I "began to remember" the fun we had."

What are some alternatives to "begin to remember"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "start to recall", "come to remember", or "gradually remember", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "begin to remember" or "start to remember"?

Both "begin to remember" and "start to remember" are grammatically correct and very similar in meaning. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "begin to remember" and "suddenly remember"?

"Begin to remember" implies a gradual process of recalling, while "suddenly remember" suggests an immediate and unexpected recollection.