burned into my brain

USAGE SUMMARY

"burned into my brain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that a memory or idea is very strong and unforgettable. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as describing a traumatic event, a profound realization, or a long-lasting impression. Example: The image of the car accident was burned into my brain, and I couldn't stop replaying it in my mind for weeks afterwards.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Countless performances are burned into my brain.

The Guardian - Music

"Those things are burned into my brain — I can't really forget them," Mr. Bryant said.

The New York Times

Phrases from the books are burned into my brain, I discovered, as I reread.

The Guardian - Books

But I have a lot of angry e-mail burned into my brain from readers insisting that those high prices were an oil-company conspiracy.

The New York Times

Some of the images have burned into my brain in much the same way that, 10 years ago, the Abu Ghraib photos burned my mind, and perhaps yours.

The Guardian - Opinion

As with other Herreweghe concerts that are burned into my brain — the St. Matthew Passion, in 2004 and 2012, and the Mass in B Minor, in 2009, all at Alice Tully Hall — the performance had an astonishing, somewhat inexplicable force.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The image of the scene is burned into my mind.

The Guardian

It felt burned into my mind.

Huffington Post

It's indelibly burned into my mind and my heart.

Huffington Post

I also have images from Macedonia burned into my mind.

Huffington Post

"When we are in a dressing room, with swimsuits of all God forsaken things, there is a split moment when I have the power to say 'wow I have really gotten fat this year' OR 'wow I love this coral color on me!' And those are the words burned into my daughters brain".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "burned into my brain" when you want to emphasize that a memory is particularly vivid, impactful, and difficult to forget. This phrase is suitable for both serious and lighthearted contexts to express strong emotional impact.

Common error

While "burned into my brain" is a vivid expression, avoid overusing it in your writing. Too frequent use can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "etched in my memory" or "seared into my mind" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burned into my brain" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a memory, experience, or idea that is particularly vivid, impactful, and unforgettable. Ludwig AI highlights its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burned into my brain" is a common idiomatic expression used to convey a vivid and lasting memory or impression. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "etched in my memory" or "seared into my mind" offer alternative phrasing, "burned into my brain" effectively communicates a sense of strong, unforgettable impact. Remember to avoid overusing it to maintain its expressive power. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's adaptability and widespread use in describing memorable experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

etched in my memory

This alternative uses 'etched' to convey a lasting impression, similar to being 'burned'.

seared into my mind

This uses 'seared' which also suggests a strong and unforgettable memory.

indelibly imprinted

This phrase highlights the permanent nature of the memory.

firmly fixed in my memory

This focuses on the stability and permanence of the memory.

deeply ingrained

This emphasizes how the memory is rooted within one's mind.

unforgettable to me

Shifts the focus to the personal experience of the memory being vivid.

impossible to forget

Emphasizes the permanence and vividness of the memory.

will never forget

Expresses a strong conviction that the memory will endure.

a lasting impression

This alternative is less intense, simply suggesting a notable effect.

can't shake the memory of

Highlights the difficulty in forgetting a specific event or detail.

FAQs

What does "burned into my brain" mean?

The phrase "burned into my brain" is an idiomatic expression that means a memory or experience is so vivid and impactful that it's unforgettable. It suggests the memory is permanently etched in one's mind.

How can I use "burned into my brain" in a sentence?

You can use "burned into my brain" to describe a strong memory. For example: "The image of the accident is "burned into my brain" and I can't forget it."

What are some alternatives to saying "burned into my brain"?

Alternatives include "etched in my memory", "seared into my mind", or "indelibly imprinted". These phrases also convey the idea of a lasting and vivid memory.

Is "burned into my brain" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "burned into my brain" is generally considered informal but is acceptable in many contexts, including news and media. While very common in informal conversation, consider "firmly fixed in my memory" for a more formal tone.