elicit memories

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elicit memories" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to trying to get someone to remember something or to bring up a memory. For example, "The smell of my grandmother's cooking elicited many memories of childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Probe one of those illuminated faces further, and you can also usually elicit memories of a particularly bad teacher.

The New York Times - Magazine

In guidelines issued three years ago, the college stated that psychiatrists should never use forceful or persuasive interviewing to elicit memories.

The New York Times - Health

For some, Chile's appearance at Wembley will elicit memories of 1998, when the brilliant forward Marcelo Salas befuddled England's back four in a shock 2-0 victory.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The W.S. and Annie Burr Lewis Oral History Project will elicit memories and reflections from people who were the couple's friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and collaborators.

Yale University

Songs also elicit memories in our lives.

Huffington Post

In Proustian fashion, the sensations on the roof terrace elicit memories of my younger self.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

EF-Tu was recently shown to elicit memory CD4+ T cells in cattle immunized with outer membrane protein preparations of the rickettsial pathogen, Anaplasma marginale [51].

Plosone

This conclusion critically relies on the untested assumption that reminders of a crime uncontrollably elicit memory-related brain activity.

Biological Psychology

Moreover, ERPs to these powerful cues were compared with ERPs to previously unseen control items, unlikely to elicit memory-related brain activity.

Biological Psychology

No research has examined whether retrieval-related brain activity can be intentionally suppressed for objects or events directly named by the reminder itself, in particular when comparing these potent cues to novel control cues that are unlikely to elicit memory-related brain activity.

Biological Psychology

For Nelson's complacent heroine, the death of an estranged friend elicits memories of their reckless youth.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elicit memories" when you want to emphasize the act of drawing forth recollections, often through specific cues or prompts.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "elicit", which means to draw out or evoke, with "illicit", which means illegal or forbidden. Using the wrong word can drastically change the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elicit memories" functions as a verb phrase, where 'elicit' (verb) takes 'memories' (noun) as its object. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. Examples in Ludwig show the phrase used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

36%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "elicit memories" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes the act of bringing forth recollections. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is acceptable in written English. While "elicit memories" appears across diverse sources like academic journals, news articles, and general media, its frequency remains relatively uncommon. Alternative phrases such as "trigger memories" or "evoke memories" may be used to achieve similar semantic effect, as well as to avoid repetitive wording. Remember to differentiate "elicit" from "illicit" to avoid confusion. Overall, "elicit memories" is a reliable and effective way to describe the process of prompting or drawing forth recollections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

produce memories

Focuses on the creation of memories rather than the act of bringing them forth.

induce memories

Emphasizes the act of causing memories to arise.

trigger memories

Highlights the sudden activation of memories.

evoke memories

Stresses the calling forth of memories, often with an emotional undertone.

stimulate memories

Suggests an activation or encouragement of memories.

awaken memories

Implies a bringing back to consciousness of dormant memories.

call up memories

Highlights the deliberate attempt to bring memories to mind.

conjure up memories

Suggests a more imaginative or creative recall of memories.

unearth memories

Implies discovering or revealing memories that were hidden or forgotten.

rekindle memories

Focuses on reviving memories that have faded over time.

FAQs

How can I use "elicit memories" in a sentence?

You can use "elicit memories" to describe how certain stimuli or situations prompt recollections, such as, "The old photographs "elicit memories" of our childhood vacations".

What's a good alternative to "elicit memories"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "trigger memories", "evoke memories", or "induce memories" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to say "elicit memories" or "bring back memories"?

"Elicit memories" suggests a more active prompting or drawing out of memories, while "bring back memories" implies a more passive return of recollections. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "elicit memories" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "elicit memories" is suitable for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. Its use in academic and news media demonstrates its acceptability in professional contexts.