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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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blank spells

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"blank spells" is not a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You could use the phrase "blank casting" or "blank casting spells," but not just "blank spells." Example: She spent hours blank casting spells in an attempt to restore the balance of magic in the forest.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Many viewers will be tempted to search the Internet or call 877-IS IT ALZ in a sudden panic over blank spells: "Did I already take my Lipitor?" and "That funny blond actress, you know, the one in that old movie about Washington with the guy who was in 'Picnic'?" (Judy Holliday, "Born Yesterday," William Holden).

News & Media

The New York Times

"I had blank spells, and chunks of my life seemed to be missing," Cassie says.

News & Media

Vice

A patient with left hippocampal sclerosis, a history of early febrile convulsions at 11 months, and blank spells from the age of 3 years, which later developed into complex partial seizures.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Test yourself on sites like http://davidbrobert.com/worldGuru/Geography/ using a "multiple choice quiz" first and then really cement your knowledge with "Fill in the Blank quiz" where you spell the capitals and learn one small area at a time.

Go blank.

News & Media

The Guardian

Another ranted: "The spelling and the blank letters were atrocious!!! Does CBS or any of the networks REALLY care about the hearing impaired?

News & Media

The New York Times

When, in a noodle bar, I received blank looks after both saying and spelling out my name, the manager said "We'll call you Ben".

His voice is flat, and when he is asked his girlfriend's name, how to spell it, he momentarily goes blank.

News & Media

The New York Times

This spells out: "Cymbeline I iv your blank mistress is dead". Realizing that the "WS" in the center of the compass means "search Shakespeare", the word fitting in the blank is "unparagoned". The first letters of the city names spell out "ARTIST", while each city-gem pair shares a single bigram.

Follow Miles on Twitter.

News & Media

Vice

Clouds roil, and lightning bolts sizzle; there's a heavy dose of witchcraft lore, many spells, a glowing magic locket, and a blank ancient book that fills with runic script as you turn the pages.

News & Media

The New Yorker
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to memory problems or cognitive lapses, consider using more precise terms like "memory lapses" or "mental blanks" for clarity.

Common error

Do not use "blank spells" in formal or academic writing. The phrase is vague and may not be universally understood. Prefer clearer alternatives.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blank spells" functions as a noun phrase describing periods of cognitive absence or memory lapses. However, it's not a standard or universally recognized term. Ludwig AI indicates it's not considered a correct and usable sentence in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blank spells" refers to periods of forgetfulness or cognitive absence, but is not considered standard English. Ludwig AI identifies it as not being a correct and usable sentence in written English. While it appears in various sources, its ambiguity makes it less effective for clear communication. More precise alternatives like "memory lapses" or "mental blanks" are recommended for formal and professional contexts. Its primary function is descriptive, but its informal register limits its utility in academic or business settings. When clearer communication is needed, selecting alternatives can improve clarity and comprehension.

FAQs

What does "blank spells" mean?

The phrase "blank spells" typically refers to moments of forgetfulness, memory lapses, or periods where one's mind goes blank. However, its usage can be ambiguous.

Is "blank spells" grammatically correct?

While the phrase appears in some contexts, it's not considered standard English. It's better to use more precise terms like "memory lapses" or "mental blanks".

How can I use "blank spells" in a sentence correctly?

It's advisable to avoid using "blank spells" in formal writing. If you must use it, ensure the context is clear and that it refers to short periods of memory loss or confusion. Using alternatives like "gaps in memory" can provide better clarity.

What are some alternatives to "blank spells"?

Alternatives include "memory lapses", "mental blanks", "absent-minded moments", or "gaps in memory" depending on the specific context.

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Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: