blows of memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blows of memory" is not a standard expression in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a poetic or metaphorical context to describe sudden, impactful recollections or reminders of the past. Example: "As I walked through the old neighborhood, I was hit by blows of memory, each corner sparking a vivid recollection of my childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Things lose their balance and totter from the small blows of memory.

The New Yorker

Things lose their balanceand totter from the small blows of memory.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But Joan Snyder, Kathe Burkhart, and Joy Garnett are packing the heat just as heavy, what with their early-to-mid decade paintings aimed squarely against the Bush-Cheney-Haliburton War and Torture in Iraq, the petrol added to their feminist molotovs thrown into the art wars that try but never succeed to blow painting out of memory if not existence.

Huffington Post

Gusts of memory blew through the barn.

The New York Times - Arts

I saw it and felt oddly proud of myself, as if that one act of memory had blown away some of the cobwebs of the day.

The Guardian - Books

For instance, she gives a blow-by-blow account of her six-hour marathon of memory testing, and of her experience lying prone in each brain scanner.

The New York Times - Books

Performances in Richard Wilson's production are uniformly excellent, but it's Baxendale in her green coat who will blow the memory of Cold Feet's Rachel out of the water.

The Guardian

But neither the initial loss of memory, nor its recovery are caused by a physical blow to the head.

BBC

Memory, all kinds of memory, is exploding.

The New Yorker

The obliteration of memory.

The New Yorker

Feat of memory?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blows of memory" sparingly and in contexts where a poetic or metaphorical effect is desired. Consider more common alternatives like "waves of nostalgia" or "bursts of recollection" for general use.

Common error

Avoid using "blows of memory" in formal or technical writing. Its figurative nature may be misinterpreted or deemed inappropriate in contexts requiring precision and clarity. Instead, opt for more direct and literal expressions.

Linguistic Context

Blows of memory functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It evokes a sense of impactful and sudden recollections, similar to how Ludwig AI describes it. It is used to describe the experience of being intensely reminded of the past.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blows of memory" is a relatively uncommon phrase used to describe sudden and impactful recollections of the past. As Ludwig AI explains, it's more of a poetic expression than a standard phrase. The phrase appears mostly in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone, despite its figurative nature. While grammatically correct, consider using more common alternatives like "waves of nostalgia" or "bursts of recollection" for broader clarity and impact. Remember to avoid its use in formal or technical writing where precision is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waves of nostalgia

Replaces "blows" with a gentler, more continuous feeling of nostalgia.

bursts of recollection

Substitutes "blows" with "bursts" to emphasize the suddenness of memories.

fleeting memories

Focuses on the transient nature of recollections.

sudden remembrances

Highlights the unexpected appearance of memories.

vivid flashbacks

Emphasizes the intensity and realism of the recalled events.

pangs of memory

Implies a sharp, emotional impact of memories.

intrusive thoughts of the past

Focuses on the involuntary and sometimes unwelcome nature of certain memories.

echoes of the past

Conveys a sense of lingering and resonating memories.

haunting recollections

Suggests that memories are persistent and emotionally affecting.

ghosts of memory

Emphasizes the ethereal and lingering quality of past experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "blows of memory" in a sentence?

You can use "blows of memory" to describe sudden, impactful recollections or reminders of the past. For example: "As I walked through the old neighborhood, I was hit by blows of memory, each corner sparking a vivid recollection of my childhood."

What can I say instead of "blows of memory"?

You can use alternatives like "waves of nostalgia", "bursts of recollection", or "sudden remembrances" depending on the context.

Is "blows of memory" a common phrase?

No, "blows of memory" is not a common phrase. It's more of a poetic or figurative expression and might not be immediately understood by everyone. More common alternatives exist for everyday use.

What is the connotation of "blows of memory"?

The phrase "blows of memory" suggests that memories can strike unexpectedly and with considerable force, similar to physical blows. This can imply both positive and negative emotional impacts, depending on the nature of the memories.