came to remember

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "came to remember" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a moment of realization or recollection about something that was previously forgotten or overlooked. Example: "As I looked through the old photographs, I came to remember the joyful times we spent together during our childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Alfred came to remember not what had happened but what he said had happened.

The New Yorker

As in past years, Bruni Sandoval came to remember her friend Nereida De Jesus.

The New York Times

Queen Elizabeth II, in shades of lilac, came to remember, with Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain.

The New York Times

Despite the presence of police officers at a memorial service on Wednesday, tempers flared outside the crowded funeral home where friends and relatives came to remember Mr. Ward.

The New York Times

Masaru Sasaki, a 71-year-old taxi driver, came to remember his wife, daughter and grandson, all swept away by the waves.

The Guardian

Diaghilev had many difficulties as an adult, and it was no doubt good for him, when the trouble came, to remember that he had once been someone's black-eyed piglet.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Soon after they moved in together, a woman we'll refer to simply as Ashley noticed that her boyfriend had amnesia when it came to remembering where household items were kept.

The New York Times

Grant, who was known for a photographic memory, had many uncharacteristic lapses when it came to remembering incidents involving Babcock.

Wikipedia

It's beautifully sung throughout but this Show Boat was rather leaky when it came to remembering lines and crafting vivid characters.

Huffington Post

The crowds come to remember – but we should not be remembering only our own.

The Guardian - Arts

In the spaces of these memorials, mourners come to remember the victims of 9/11 together -- and separately.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "came to remember" to describe a gradual or dawning realization, especially after a period of forgetting or confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "came to remember" when simple "remembering" suffices. The phrase implies a process of rediscovering a memory or understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came to remember" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of recalling something that was previously forgotten or not clearly understood. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "came to remember" is a common verb phrase used to describe the process of gradually recalling something that was previously forgotten or not fully understood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it serves to narrate a process of recollection, it's essential to distinguish it from simple "remembering", as "came to remember" implies a rediscovery of a memory or understanding. Consider alternatives like "began to recall" or "started to remember" for variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to recall

Replaces "came to" with "began to", emphasizing the starting point of the remembering process.

started to remember

Similar to "began to recall", this alternative highlights the initiation of the act of remembering.

recollected

A more concise way to say "came to remember", focusing on the act of bringing something back to memory.

reminisced about

Implies a more nostalgic and reflective form of remembering.

realized

Shifts the focus to understanding something that was not previously known or understood.

suddenly remembered

Emphasizes the abruptness of the remembering.

it dawned on me

Expresses a gradual realization or understanding.

it struck me that

Highlights a sudden and impactful realization.

I was reminded of

Focuses on an external trigger that prompted the remembering.

I had a flash of memory

Conveys a sudden and vivid recollection.

FAQs

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

You can use "came to remember" to express a gradual recollection, such as: "As I looked through old photos, I "came to remember" the joy of those summer days".

What's a more formal way to say "came to remember"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "began to recall" or "started to recollect". These alternatives provide a similar meaning but with a more sophisticated vocabulary.

Is there a difference between "came to remember" and "remembered"?

"Remembered" is a general term for recalling something. "Came to remember" suggests a process, often after forgetting or struggling to recall something. It implies a realization or rediscovery of a memory.

What can I say instead of "came to remember" to emphasize a sudden realization?

To emphasize a sudden realization, you could use phrases like "suddenly remembered", "it dawned on me", or "it struck me that" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.