escapes my memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'escapes my memory' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are trying to recall a particular thing and can't. For example, "The name of the author of that book escapes my memory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We were in my favourite bit of Cornwall, above Boscastle - a place to which my family is deeply connected - and we were on our way to some destination that now escapes my memory.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Giustra said the meeting "escaped my memory until you raised it".

The New York Times

IBM is suing Papermaster, Papermaster is suing IBM, Apple and Psystar are suing each other, the US is suing LCD makers, Spansion is suing Samsung, and god knows what else just from the last couple weeks has escaped my memory.

TechCrunch

The details of the conversation have escaped my memory, but I know that I encouraged her.

Huffington Post

I escaped my rut.

Science Magazine

Either a series of lawsuits had transformed the stocks into loose holes that you could easily escape from, or my memory had been confused by that shitty weed.

Vice

It escapes the memory of his real Marianne, the one who lived around the corner when they were children in the Bronx, who was his steady girl in high school and to whom he wrote each day during their separation.

The New York Times

To save on rent, or perhaps to escape heartbroken memories, my grandfather left his old house and moved in with my newly wedded parents, who were living in a highly secured complex, where my father and other young scientists worked for a research facility to develop nuclear weapons.

The New Yorker

Nostalgia's not the name of the game when the period in question -- the 50's -- escapes the living memory of moviegoing audiences.

The New York Times

Just refresh my memory.

The Guardian - Sport

No, my memory is correct.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "escapes my memory" when you want to express that you are unable to recall something at the moment, often implying a temporary lapse.

Common error

Avoid using "escapes my memory" to indicate a permanent inability to remember something, as it typically suggests a temporary lapse. Instead, consider phrases like "I can't remember" or "I've completely forgotten".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "escapes my memory" functions as a declarative statement expressing a temporary inability to recall a specific detail. It's used to convey that something is not readily accessible in one's mind at the moment. Ludwig AI validates its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "escapes my memory" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a temporary inability to recall something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not very common, it finds usage in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. Alternatives such as "I can't quite recall" or "it's on the tip of my tongue" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use it to describe a temporary lapse in memory rather than a permanent one. Be mindful of the context to make sure that it suits a more casual and neutral context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I can't quite recall

Implies a slight effort to remember, but ultimately failing to do so.

it's on the tip of my tongue

Suggests that the information is very close to being remembered.

I'm drawing a blank

Indicates a complete inability to remember something at the moment.

it doesn't spring to mind

Highlights that the information isn't readily accessible in one's memory.

I'm unable to remember

A straightforward statement of not being able to recall something.

it's slipped my mind

Suggests forgetting something unintentionally.

I've forgotten

A simple statement of having forgotten something.

I fail to recall

A more formal way of saying that one cannot remember.

the details are hazy

Implies that the memory is unclear or indistinct.

I'm blanking on it

A more informal way of saying "I'm drawing a blank".

FAQs

How can I use "escapes my memory" in a sentence?

You can use "escapes my memory" to express a temporary inability to recall something. For example, "The exact date of the event "escapes my memory" right now."

What's a more formal alternative to "escapes my memory"?

A more formal alternative would be "I fail to recall" or "I am unable to remember". For example, "I "fail to recall" the specific details of that meeting."

Is it correct to say "escaped my memory"?

Yes, "escaped my memory" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct. You would use it to describe something you were previously unable to remember. For instance, "The name had "escaped my memory" until you mentioned it."

What is the difference between "escapes my memory" and "I don't remember"?

"Escapes my memory" suggests a temporary inability to recall something, while "I don't remember" can imply either a temporary or permanent lack of recall. The former often carries a nuance of something being just out of reach, whereas the latter is a more general statement.