exceptional memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptional memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has an outstanding ability to remember information or experiences. Example: "Her exceptional memory allows her to recall details from years ago with remarkable clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Few individuals who exhibit exceptional memory have been studied extensively.

Britannica

He said he had an "exceptional memory", as anyone who knew him would testify.

The Guardian

Exceptional memory capacity is occasionally observed among mathematicians and others with exceptional talent for lightning calculation.

Britannica

In other words he had an exceptional memory for things he heard.

The Guardian - Film

He had an exceptional memory that allowed him to assume an air of superficial mastery.

The New Yorker

He has an exceptional memory, and he works 60 hours a week.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Like others with exceptional memories, Ms. Cooley also found ways of encoding information to make it easier to recall.

The New York Times - Arts

As well as knife arches, they will deploy super-recognisers – officers with exceptional memories who can spot suspects in crowds from faces they have memorised.

The Guardian

Anders Ericsson, a psychology professor at Florida State University who has been researching people with exceptional memories for 20 years, said he is now convinced that genetics play a minor part.

The New York Times - Arts

Poets in the oral tradition, like Homer, relied on repetition and rhythms and other patterns to recite their work from memory, and in the ancient world, exceptional memories were both exalted and widely known.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Scheufele has exceptional memories of Cannes: walking off with the original golden palm tucked under her arm, and starting to improve on its "run over by a tire" look, or "Elizabeth Taylor showing me her jewelry with her little dog jumping all over it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific type of memory, such as visual or auditory, use "exceptional" in conjunction with the specific type (e.g., "exceptional auditory memory").

Common error

Avoid using "exceptional memory" to describe everyday situations where 'good' or 'decent' memory would suffice. Reserve it for truly remarkable cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional memory" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies an individual's capability, indicating a significantly above-average ability to recall information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

18%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptional memory" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a remarkable ability to recall information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While alternatives like "remarkable memory" and "extraordinary memory" exist, "exceptional memory" maintains its distinct emphasis on superior cognitive function. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and that you're truly describing a memory capability that is significantly above average. Avoid overuse in general sentences with a good memory would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable memory

Replaces "exceptional" with "remarkable", maintaining the meaning of an outstanding memory ability.

extraordinary memory

Substitutes "exceptional" with "extraordinary", highlighting the unusual nature of the memory.

outstanding memory

Uses "outstanding" instead of "exceptional", emphasizing the superior quality of the memory.

uncommon memory

Replaces "exceptional" with "uncommon", suggesting the memory is not frequently found.

unusual memory

Substitutes "exceptional" with "unusual", implying that the memory differs from the norm.

superior memory

Replaces "exceptional" with "superior", focusing on the memory's high quality.

prodigious memory

Uses "prodigious" instead of "exceptional", indicating a great amount or size of memory ability.

tremendous memory

Emphasizes the scale and power of the memory, replacing "exceptional" with "tremendous".

photographic memory

Specifies a particular type of exceptional memory, focusing on visual recall.

eidetic memory

Replaces with a more scientific term for a detailed and accurate recall, like a photograph.

FAQs

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

You can use "exceptional memory" to describe someone or something with a remarkable ability to remember information. For example, "The historian's exceptional memory allowed him to recall precise dates and events."

What is a good alternative to "exceptional memory"?

Alternatives include "remarkable memory", "extraordinary memory", or "outstanding memory", depending on the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it accurate to describe someone with a good memory as having an "exceptional memory"?

While someone with a good memory might be competent, "exceptional memory" implies a level of recall that is significantly above average, almost prodigious. Using "good memory" might be more appropriate for describing average memory skills.

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

"Exceptional memory" is a general term for an outstanding ability to remember things. "Photographic memory", also known as eidetic memory, refers specifically to the ability to recall images with near-perfect precision. All photographic memories are exceptional, but not all exceptional memories are photographic.