collective memories

USAGE SUMMARY

'collective memories' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to refer to shared experiences, stories, and knowledge that are shared between members of a group or community. For example, "Our school has a long history of collective memories, some of which go back to its founding more than a century ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her soul lives in our collective memories.

The New York Times

It's clear that American soldiers in Iraq share collective memories.

The New York Times - Books

He always will be in our collective memories.

Princeton University

He will always be in our collective memories.

Princeton University

Isn't Tonya Harding the eternal villain of our collective memories?

The Washington Post

Her moral anchor is firmly rooted in painful collective memories.

The Guardian - Opinion

His symbol of overwhelming collective memories glittered in the sunlight.

The Guardian

He didn't want to pool their collective memories.

The New Yorker

Our collective memories remind us that we're bound together.

The Guardian - Books

Because people will talk and form collective memories.

The New York Times - Arts

Are these dim collective memories of Old Testament traditions?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive historical events, use "collective memories" to acknowledge the varying interpretations and emotional impact on different groups.

Common error

Avoid using "collective memories" when referring to personal recollections. "Collective memories" should describe shared experiences and understandings within a group, not individual memories.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collective memories" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts, from personal reflections to large-scale societal events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

28%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "collective memories" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the shared memories, experiences, and knowledge within a group or community. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from academic discussions to news reports. The phrase carries a generally neutral to formal tone and is best used to describe shared understandings rather than individual recollections. Considering similar phrases like "shared recollections" and avoiding confusion with individual memories will ensure effective communication. The phrase is most frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, highlighting its relevance in discussions about history, culture, and societal identity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collective remembrance

Focuses on the act of remembering together.

shared societal recollections

Emphasizes the shared aspect and societal scope more directly.

communal historical consciousness

Highlights awareness of shared history within a community.

group's shared experiences

Focuses on experiences as the basis for collective memory.

common cultural heritage

Highlights the cultural aspect of shared history.

shared cultural narratives

Highlights the narratives and stories that form collective memory.

societal memory landscape

Metaphorically represents the collective memory as a landscape.

people's common past

Focuses on the shared past of a group of people.

inherited group knowledge

Emphasizes the passing down of knowledge through generations.

socially constructed memory

Highlights the social construction and interpretation of memory.

FAQs

How do you use "collective memories" in a sentence?

You can use "collective memories" to refer to the shared recollections of a group, as in "The monument serves as a reminder of our "collective memories" of the war".

What's the difference between "collective memories" and "cultural heritage"?

"Collective memories" refer to the shared experiences and recollections of a group, while "cultural heritage" encompasses the traditions, sites, and artifacts inherited from past generations. While related, "cultural heritage" is broader and includes tangible and intangible elements.

What can I say instead of "collective memories"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "shared recollections", "communal narratives", or "social memory".

Why are "collective memories" important for societies?

"Collective memories" are important because they shape a group's identity, values, and understanding of the world. They influence attitudes, decisions, and approaches to problems. Nurturing these memories contributes to social cohesion and cultural preservation.