erase from memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "erase from memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe an event that someone has tried very hard to forget. For example, "He had attempted to erase the traumatic event from memory, but the memories still lingered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Judaism, as seen in the figure of Kab, had an important role in shaping Islamic theology, a fact that many Jews and Muslims have chosen to forget or deliberately erase from memory.

The New York Times - Books

Finally, erase from memory the horrible versions of so-called Caprese you get in many restaurants year-round, the tasteless hothouse tomatoes and rubbery cheese, stacked tall and drizzled with who-knows-what-kind of reduced vinegar concoction.

The New York Times - Food

"To which moment might we wish to retreat, pull up our drawbridge, erase from memory what we ourselves, or the processes of nature and time, have wrought?" she asks, pointing out, too, the uncomfortable rhetoric of nationalism and violence that often accompanies the debate.

The Guardian - Books

But how can one erase from memory the horrifying scenes of the nighttime rocket attack on a peaceful town, the razing of entire city blocks, the deaths of people taking cover in basements, the destruction of ancient monuments and ancestral graves?

The New York Times

But there's also what Keating – and many Australians – might like to erase from memory: the painfully high household interest rates, a recession he said "we had to have" and the ousting of a sitting prime minister, every bit as dirty and as traumatic for the country as Julia Gillard's of Kevin Rudd and Rudd's of Gillard.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This time period was deemed sufficient to erase from memory an event or a process.

BMC Oral Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But such a black and white interpretation of history means erasing from memory the experiences of Bosnia and Rwanda.

Independent

Most Libyans see the 42 years of the colonel's rule as an ordeal to be erased from memory.

The Economist

Often enough, no train would pass, as if that part of Argentina had been erased from memory as well as from the map.

The New Yorker

Not in the florid sense of the word, as in exceptional, but in the most literal one: it can't be erased from memory.

The New Yorker

For some, the Yankees' quick ouster from last year's division series — a victory followed by three losses to the Detroit Tigers — has been all but erased from memory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "erase from memory" when you want to emphasize the act of deliberately trying to forget something, often something unpleasant or traumatic. This implies a conscious effort to remove the memory.

Common error

Don't use "erase from memory" when simple forgetting is meant. This phrase implies a deliberate and often difficult process, not mere absentmindedness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "erase from memory" functions as a verb phrase, typically used transitively. It describes the action of attempting to remove a particular memory from one's mind. This is supported by Ludwig, which validates the phrase's grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "erase from memory" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that denotes a deliberate attempt to forget something, especially a painful or unwanted memory. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and can be found across various registers, most commonly in news and media. While alternatives like "wipe from memory" or "obliterate from one's mind" exist, "erase from memory" maintains a balanced tone suitable for different writing styles. When using this phrase, it’s important to emphasize the intentionality behind the act of forgetting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obliterate from one's mind

This suggests a complete and forceful removal from thought.

wipe from memory

This implies a quick and thorough removal of something from recollection.

forget completely

This is a straightforward way of saying something is no longer remembered.

expunge from consciousness

This indicates a deliberate effort to remove something from awareness.

block out the memory

This indicates a defensive psychological reaction of suppression.

push it to the back of your mind

Suggests an active effort to suppress memory but not forget.

make oneself forget

Indicates active intention to forget about something.

repress the memory

This emphasizes psychological defense mechanism.

banish from thought

Implies a forceful rejection of certain thought.

let it fade from memory

Suggests a gradual forgetting of something over time.

FAQs

How can I use "erase from memory" in a sentence?

You can use "erase from memory" to describe a conscious effort to forget something unpleasant. For example, "She tried to erase the accident from her memory/s/."

What's a good alternative to "erase from memory"?

Alternatives include "wipe from memory", which suggests a quick removal, or "obliterate from one's mind", emphasizing a more forceful removal.

Is it appropriate to use "erase from memory" in formal writing?

Yes, it's acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing psychological processes or significant events. However, consider whether a simpler term like "forget" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

What's the difference between "erase from memory" and "forget"?

"Erase from memory" implies a deliberate attempt to remove a memory, often due to its traumatic or unpleasant nature. "Forget" is a more general term that simply means no longer remembering something.