elusive memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elusive memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a memory that is difficult to recall or grasp, often due to its fleeting or intangible nature. Example: "As I tried to recount my childhood, I was struck by the elusive memory of my first day at school, slipping away just as I thought I had it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Far more perturbing is the vague, elusive memory she has of once turning away from Aislinn's pleas, way back when Antoinette was still in uniform.

The New Yorker

When he gets sidetracked, he lowers his head and presses his index finger against his lip, as if he were pushing a tricky button that, touched just right, could illuminate the elusive memory.

The New York Times

Always, at the edges of every ragged and elusive memory, lingers hope.

Huffington Post

"Until we fix our schools," the Post op-ed concluded, "the gap between the haves and the have-nots will only grow wider and the United States will fall further behind the rest of the industrialized world in education, rendering the American dream a distant, elusive memory".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Her landscapes capture fleeting moments and evoke elusive memories.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He either did or did not officially complete high school — another one of those elusive memories.

The New Yorker

A forthcoming documentary about the life and words of Didion is hoping to capture some of those elusive memories on film and preserve them for the ages.

The Guardian - Books

Nonetheless, Hui captures the romantic aura of Xiao's freethinking audacity and artistic vocation in poised, painterly shots that seem less like sites of action than like elusive memories.

The New Yorker

Their brevity makes them seem both intensely immediate and as elusive as memory.

The New York Times

The actors' nuanced specificity is broken up into moments and glances that seem as elusive as memories.

The New Yorker

Thanks to the diversity of their artistic backgrounds (Matos has created installations and photography; Mauries-Rinfret has worked in video art and graphic arts), they have managed to give intriguing artistic shape to their most elusive Montreal memories.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elusive memory" in creative writing to portray a sense of longing or nostalgia, particularly when the character is trying to recapture a precious moment from the past.

Common error

Avoid using "elusive memory" excessively, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "fleeting memory" or "vague recollection" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elusive memory" functions as a noun phrase where "elusive" modifies the noun "memory". It describes the quality of a memory being difficult to grasp or recall. Ludwig provides examples where it is used to describe memories that are vague or hard to pinpoint.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "elusive memory" is used to describe a memory that is difficult to grasp or recall, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and functions as a noun phrase. While "elusive memory" can be used in various contexts, it's particularly fitting for literary or descriptive writing aiming to evoke a sense of longing or uncertainty. If overused, synonyms like "fleeting memory" or "vague recollection" can offer refreshing alternatives. Despite its infrequent occurrence, the phrase maintains a solid presence in news media, reinforcing its role in describing hard-to-pinpoint past events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting memory

Emphasizes the brief and transient nature of the memory.

vague recollection

Highlights the lack of clarity and detail in the memory.

fading memory

Suggests the memory is diminishing over time.

tenuous memory

Implies the memory is weak and easily lost.

slippery recollection

Conveys the idea that the memory is difficult to hold onto or grasp.

obscure memory

Indicates that the memory is not easily accessible or understood.

indistinct memory

Focuses on the lack of clear definition in the memory.

hazy recollection

Creates an image of the memory being unclear and dreamlike.

difficult to recall memory

Directly states the challenge in bringing the memory to mind.

hard to grasp memory

Highlights the difficulty in understanding or fully realizing the memory.

FAQs

How can I use "elusive memory" in a sentence?

You can use "elusive memory" to describe a memory that is hard to grasp or recall clearly. For example, "The details of that day remain an elusive memory, lost in the fog of time".

What are some synonyms for "elusive memory"?

Alternatives to "elusive memory" include "fleeting memory", "vague recollection", or "fading memory". These phrases convey a similar sense of a memory that is difficult to capture or retain.

Is it better to use "elusive memory" or "distant memory"?

"Elusive memory" emphasizes the difficulty in grasping or recalling a memory, while "distant memory" focuses on the temporal separation from the present. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a memory "elusive"?

A memory can be "elusive" due to various factors such as the passage of time, emotional trauma, or the inherent complexity of the event. This elusiveness makes the memory hard to access or fully understand.