exceptional recall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptional recall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a remarkable ability to remember or retrieve information accurately. Example: "Her exceptional recall of historical facts made her the star of the trivia competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

(Vladimir Nabokov wrote about both his "colored hearing" and exceptional recall in his memoir, "Speak, Memory," first published in 1951).

The New Yorker

Participants were asked to rate them on a scale of one to six, requiring exceptional recall of the complicated proposals and the comparative effects of implementing them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lest anyone think the Korean case is exceptional, recall that the most serious crisis of the Cold War developed in similar circumstances.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Prior behavioral studies in early blind noted an exceptional ability to recall words.

Brain Research

Yet when something exceptional like a recall or labor scandal happens, the connections to familiar brands are made pretty quickly.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He had exceptional taste," she recalls with a chuckle.

Forbes

She goes on, "Exceptional adult achievers often recall formal schooling as a disliked distraction".

The New Yorker

In other words, it's not true that after a drunken night we tend to recall the exceptional over the mundane.

The New York Times

In the memoirs of children of celebrities, especially movie stars or socialites, they always seem to recall one exceptional glamorous image of their parents, one magical night when Mother was in a ball gown, shoulders wrapped in chinchilla, and Father was in black tie -- and they were happy with each other.

The New York Times - Style

Mayor Giuliani, who had conferred with Commissioner Feehan and other fire officials shortly before they were killed, recalled an exceptional leader.

The New York Times

Can you remember anything more about it (not that I mind inventing details, as you will see!)? Perhaps Marie Dewey had photographic recall and an exceptional eye for detail.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceptional recall" to highlight someone's ability to bring details or information back to mind quickly and accurately. This is especially useful when referring to professionals whose jobs rely on remembering large amounts of information such as lawyers or doctors.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptional recall" as a generic compliment for someone who simply remembers things well. This phrase denotes a truly outstanding ability to retrieve complex or voluminous information, not just everyday facts or events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional recall" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "exceptional" modifies the noun "recall". It describes the quality of someone's ability to remember or retrieve information, emphasizing its remarkable nature. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptional recall" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an outstanding ability to remember and retrieve information. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to note its relatively low frequency, classifying it as "rare". Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, this phrase serves to emphasize the superior nature of someone's memory skills. Alternatives such as "remarkable memory" or "outstanding memory" can be used for variety, but "exceptional recall" specifically highlights the act of retrieving information with unusual accuracy and completeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable memory

Emphasizes the outstanding quality of memory instead of the act of recalling.

outstanding memory

Similar to 'remarkable memory', but highlights the superiority of the memory.

extraordinary memory

Highlights the unusual nature of the memory ability.

superior memory

Directly states that the memory is better than average.

near-perfect recollection

Emphasizes the high degree of accuracy in remembering.

photographic memory

Describes a very specific type of exceptional memory, the ability to recall images with near-perfect accuracy.

eidetic memory

A technical term for photographic memory, suggesting a more formal or scientific context.

uncommon recollection

Focuses on the act of remembering with a degree of rarity.

acute recollection

Stresses the sharpness and precision of the memory.

impressive memory skills

Shifts the focus to the skill aspect of having a great memory.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with "exceptional recall"?

You can describe someone with "exceptional recall" as having a remarkable or outstanding memory. They might also be said to have a photographic or eidetic memory, depending on the specifics of their ability.

What's the difference between "exceptional recall" and just having a good memory?

"Exceptional recall" implies a significantly superior ability to remember and retrieve information compared to a general good memory. It suggests a capacity for detailed and accurate recollection that is far above average.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "exceptional recall"?

The term "exceptional recall" is appropriate when describing someone's ability to accurately retrieve significant amount of information such as recalling complex historical facts or details from legal documents, showcasing an extraordinary ability to bring back information from memory.

What are some skills related to "exceptional recall"?

Skills related to "exceptional recall" include memorization techniques, mnemonic strategies, and focused attention. People with this ability often have highly developed cognitive strategies for encoding and retrieving information, leading to superior memory performance.