fading memory

USAGE SUMMARY

"fading memory" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it to refer to a decrease in one's memory recollection due to age, illness, or other factors. For example, "As he got older, his fading memory made it harder for him to remember names."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only a fading memory.

The New York Times

The boos are a fading memory.

The New York Times - Sports

This time, the invasion is a fading memory.

The Economist

The picture is blurry, like a fading memory.

The New York Times - Arts

Two moments stand out in my fading memory.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For Mr Bush and millions of others, the days before broadband are now a fading memory.

Independent

"Will it turn into a dim, fading memory from a different world?

The New York Times

"You get this effect of this fading memory of a place they once knew".

The New York Times - Arts

Four days into the new parliamentary term and already the "silly season" is a fading memory.

The Guardian - Opinion

His passion was his native Bronx, both the existing borough and the one of fading memory.

The New York Times

The tiny rush-light of the cottages is only a fading memory.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fading memory" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or loss, emphasizing the transient nature of past experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "fading memory" in every situation involving memory loss; consider more precise terms like "amnesia" or "cognitive decline" when appropriate. The phrase is more suited to creative or reflective writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fading memory" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "fading" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "memory". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used. The examples illustrate its use in describing the gradual loss of clarity in recollections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fading memory" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes the gradual decline of recollections. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to express loss, nostalgia, or the passage of time. While versatile, writers should be mindful of overusing it and consider more precise alternatives in formal or scientific writing. Its neutral register allows for application across various writing styles, although it leans towards the informal. As a final tip, remember that this phrase emphasizes a gradual process, not a complete absence of memory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receding memory

Focuses on the idea of the memory moving further away in time and becoming less accessible.

diminishing recollection

Emphasizes the reduction in clarity and strength of a particular memory.

blurring memory

Highlights the loss of sharpness and detail in the memory.

weakening memory

Stresses the decline in the power and vividness of the memory.

evanescent memory

Suggests that the memory is fleeting and quickly disappearing.

vanishing memory

Conveys the idea of the memory completely disappearing over time.

repressed memory

Implies the memory is being actively pushed out of conscious awareness.

suppressed memory

Similar to repressed memory, but might imply less active effort.

fleeting thought

Captures the briefness and insubstantial nature of the memory.

hazy recollection

Highlights the lack of clarity and distinctness of the memory.

FAQs

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

You can use "fading memory" to describe the gradual loss of clarity or detail in a past event or experience. For example, "The details of that summer are now a "fading memory"".

What are some alternatives to "fading memory"?

Some alternatives include "receding memory", "diminishing recollection", or "blurring memory". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

While "fading memory" is grammatically correct, it may be more appropriate for creative writing or less formal contexts. In scientific or technical writing, consider more precise terms related to memory loss or cognitive function.

What's the difference between "fading memory" and "lost memory"?

"Fading memory" implies a gradual decline in recall, while "lost memory" suggests a complete inability to recall a specific event or piece of information. The former is a weakening, the latter is an absence.