excellent memory

USAGE SUMMARY

"excellent memory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize a person's ability to remember something. Example: Our granddaughter has an excellent memory - she can recite all the presidents of the United States in order.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BG: Excellent memory.

The New Yorker

He has an excellent memory.

The New York Times - Books

Some have maintained excellent memory, and some are in between.

The Washington Post

… I had an excellent memory and now I'm an idiot.

The Guardian

He also had an excellent memory - but only for his own wins.

The Guardian

That and an excellent memory have kept me going this long.

The New York Times - Health

But he is endowed with "keen observational skills" and an excellent memory.

The New York Times - Books

It requires excellent memory, coordination, rhythm and perhaps most important, a willingness to look and feel silly.

The New York Times - Arts

Even if he did not distinguish himself as a student, former classmates describe him as smart and blessed with an excellent memory.

The New York Times

He doesn't have any particular formula for arriving at the handicap of a boat, he relies on his excellent memory and the exceptional ability to judge lines.

The New Yorker

"Remember," he'd say as he passed the hat, "I'm six-six, I have three very sharp knives, and I have an excellent memory".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability to remember details, use "excellent memory" to convey a strong and positive attribute. For example, "She was praised for her excellent memory of historical events."

Common error

Avoid using "excellent memory" when the context suggests selective recall or bias. Instead, use phrases like "selective memory" or "convenient memory" to indicate that the person is only remembering specific details that support their viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excellent memory" functions primarily as a descriptive attribute, modifying a noun (usually a person or a device) to indicate a superior ability to recall information. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's commonly used to emphasize someone's ability to remember details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

19%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excellent memory" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a superior ability to recall information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. Its function is to highlight or praise someone's recall ability, with a neutral register appropriate for both formal and informal settings. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, scientific publications, and general knowledge sources like Wikipedia. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with genuine recall ability, and avoid misattributing it to selective or biased recollection. Alternatives like "remarkable memory" or "exceptional memory" can provide nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable memory

Emphasizes the unusual or noteworthy quality of the memory.

exceptional memory

Highlights the superior quality of the memory, suggesting it's beyond average.

outstanding memory

Similar to exceptional, focusing on the memory's prominence.

superb memory

Indicates a very high quality and impressive memory capability.

terrific memory

An informal way to describe a very good memory.

photographic memory

Suggests the ability to recall images with near-perfect accuracy.

eidetic memory

A more technical term for photographic memory, implying a detailed recall.

keen memory

Focuses on the sharpness and accuracy of recall.

sharp memory

Implies quick and accurate recall ability.

retentive memory

Emphasizes the ability to retain information over long periods.

FAQs

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

You can use "excellent memory" to describe someone's ability to recall information accurately and effectively. For example, "The historian's excellent memory allowed him to cite specific dates and events without notes."

What are some synonyms for "excellent memory"?

Alternatives to "excellent memory" include "remarkable memory", "exceptional memory", and "outstanding memory". These phrases convey a similar meaning of superior recall ability.

Is it appropriate to use "excellent memory" in formal writing?

Yes, "excellent memory" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It's a clear and widely understood phrase that effectively communicates a person's ability to remember details.

What's the difference between "excellent memory" and "photographic memory"?

"Excellent memory" refers to a generally strong ability to recall information. "Photographic memory", also known as eidetic memory, implies the ability to recall images or information with near-perfect accuracy, as if taking a mental photograph. So, "photographic memory" is a more specific and rare form of "excellent memory".