formative memories

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'formative memories' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to experiences and influences in your life that have shaped your character, values, and beliefs. For example, "My grandfather's stories of World War II shaped my understanding of courage and sacrifice, and these formative memories have stayed with me throughout my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

One of his earliest and most formative memories happened at his mother's side in a courtroom where she had taken him to support demonstrators who were facing charges.

University of Chicago

We ate out a lot, too – most of my formative memories with both parents involve restaurants.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She is explaining how these formative memories, as well as the intense dreams that she still has about her childhood, have found creative expression in her photography.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One of her formative memories is of going to her brothers' speech day and hearing the headmaster tell the boys, "You are the leaders of tomorrow".

The Guardian - Film

When the team began to discuss what kind of game they would like to make, Murray returned to those formative memories under the stars.

The Guardian - Tech

Above all, young adults understand and practice race differently from their elders: their formative memories are 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and Obama's election--not civil rights marches, riots, or the early stages of immigration.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Many of my friends have fond memories of formative first-person shooter GoldenEye 007, with its split-screen multiplayer for up to four players (and the cheating that inevitably came with that), but I was a little young for that.

The Guardian - Tech

Perhaps, like Koerner, he has a formative memory.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But his most formative memory comes from Jan . 12 , 1969when Mr. Benigno was a sophomore at Paramus High.

The New York Times

Indeed, for many Britons of a certain age the Open University will be a formative memory.

The Economist

It's part of my generation's formative memory and it's a good time for us to do some reflection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "formative memories", be specific about which memories you are referring to and how they influenced you.

Common error

Don't assume your audience knows which "formative memories" you're referring to. Provide enough context so they understand their significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formative memories" functions as a noun phrase, where 'formative' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'memories'. It describes memories that have a significant impact on shaping an individual's character or development. Ludwig confirms this usage, presenting numerous examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formative memories" describes significant experiences that shape an individual's character, values, or beliefs. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in News & Media and Academic contexts. While alternatives such as "early experiences" or "influential experiences" exist, "formative memories" emphasizes the lasting impact of these recollections. When using this phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context so your audience understands the significance of the specific memories you are referencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundational memories

Highlights the base or foundation that memories created.

shaping experiences

Emphasizes the way certain experiences shaped someone.

influential experiences

Highlights the impact that certain experiences had on someone.

early experiences

Focuses on the time frame of the experiences rather than their impact.

childhood recollections

Specifically refers to memories from childhood.

pivotal moments

Highlights specific moments that significantly altered a person's life or perspective.

early influences

Focuses on the influences instead of the memories.

significant childhood events

Highlights events with a lasting impact during childhood.

impressionable years

Highlights the period when one is easily influenced.

developmental experiences

Emphasizes the role of experiences in shaping development.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "formative memories" in a sentence?

Use "formative memories" to highlight experiences that significantly shaped your character or worldview. For example, "Her childhood travels provided her with "formative memories" that fostered a lifelong love for different cultures".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "formative memories"?

Alternatives include "early experiences", "influential experiences", or "pivotal moments", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How do "formative memories" differ from ordinary memories?

"Formative memories" are not just recollections but impactful experiences that have a lasting influence on your development and personality, shaping who you are.

Are "formative memories" always positive experiences?

No, "formative memories" can be both positive and negative experiences. Traumatic events can also be formative, significantly shaping a person's outlook and behavior.