categorically remember

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "categorically remember" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when emphasizing a strong, definitive memory of something, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "I can categorically remember the day we first met, as it was a turning point in my life."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Remember, these SPL clubs have categorically failed to heed supporter sentiment towards their flawed league set-up.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't ever remember in the 20 years of Khamenei's rule where he was clearly and categorically on one side and so many clergy were on the other side," Mr. Milani said.

The New York Times

It's important to remember however, that the specific causes of an earthquake are essentially impossible to state categorically, and that California has a rather lengthy history of them.

Huffington Post

… Remember Vasena.

Latin American Economic Review

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain categorically rejected on Tuesday that he remembered Sharon Bialek, who came forward Monday with high-profile attorney Gloria Allred and accused Cain of groping her in the 1990s.

Huffington Post

Categorically no".

The Guardian

No. Categorically.

The New York Times - Magazine

Chadwick says categorically not.

Independent

"We say so categorically".

Independent

I say it categorically.

The New York Times

"It categorically is not".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "categorically remember", opt for phrases like "clearly remember" or "distinctly recall" to convey a stronger and more natural emphasis on the clarity of your memory.

Common error

Avoid directly combining "categorically" with "remember". It sounds unnatural. Instead, use "categorically state that I remember" if you need to express both the certainty and the act of remembering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "categorically remember" attempts to combine an adverb of certainty with a verb of cognition. While 'categorically' aims to emphasize the sureness of a statement, its application to 'remember' results in an uncommon and often awkward construction, as noted by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "categorically remember" aims to convey a strong and certain recollection, it is not a standard or grammatically ideal construction in English. Ludwig AI indicates that it is perceived as awkward. It is generally advisable to use more common and natural alternatives such as "clearly remember", "distinctly recall", or a more explicit statement like "I can categorically state that I remember". The key is to ensure clarity and naturalness in expressing the strength and certainty of your memory without resorting to unusual phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitely remember

A simpler and more direct way to express certainty about a memory.

clearly remember

Replaces 'categorically' with 'clearly', offering a more natural and common way to express a vivid memory.

distinctly recall

Uses 'distinctly' and 'recall' as a more formal alternative to emphasize the clarity of the memory.

vividly remember

Replaces 'categorically' with 'vividly' to highlight the intensity and detail of the memory.

firmly remember

Suggests a resolute or unwavering memory, emphasizing conviction.

recall unequivocally

A more formal way to state that one's memory is certain and admits no doubt.

absolutely certain I remember

Replaces 'categorically remember' with an explicit statement of certainty about the memory.

positively remember

Emphasizes the certainty of the memory, indicating no doubt.

remember with certainty

Expresses a memory held with a firm sense of assurance.

without a doubt remember

Uses a phrase to remove all uncertainty about the memory.

FAQs

How can I express a strong memory more naturally?

Instead of "categorically remember", consider using phrases like "clearly remember", "distinctly recall", or "vividly remember". These options sound more natural in English.

Is "categorically remember" grammatically correct?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "categorically remember" is an unusual phrasing. It's better to use alternatives that provide a smoother and more idiomatic expression of certainty about a memory.

What does "categorically" usually modify?

"Categorically" typically modifies verbs associated with stating or denying something, like "categorically deny" or "categorically state". It is less common and sounds awkward when used directly with "remember".

What are some formal alternatives to "categorically remember"?

Formal alternatives include phrases such as "recall unequivocally" or using a more explicit construction like "I can categorically state that I remember".