happy memory

USAGE SUMMARY

'happy memory' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express that someone remembers a time which was full of joy, or to express the feeling of joy when thinking about a particular moment from the past. For example: Every time I see a picture of my children when they were small, I have a happy memory of those precious days.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Pope Clement IV, on the other hand, wrote in 1268 of "Mindaugas of happy memory" (clare memorie Mindota), expressing regret at his murder.

Wikipedia

But what a happy memory.

The New York Times

Somehow, this counts as a happy memory.

The New York Times

It's a happy memory of him".

The New York Times - Food

Not a happy memory for the Liberal Democrats, I accept.

The Guardian

That is a very happy memory of mine.

The Guardian

And that, incredibly, is not the only happy memory.

The Guardian - Books

"Tot time" is a happy memory, not a tragic one.

The Guardian

It's nice to have a happy memory now".

The Guardian - Sport

The scene was filmed loosely, lushly, a happy memory in the making.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Matt Edwards also brought up a no-doubt-happy memory for Marlon Harewood, back in his Forest days in 2001.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "happy memory" to evoke positive emotions or to reminisce about pleasant past experiences in personal narratives or reflective writing.

Common error

Avoid using "happy memory" to describe events that are idealized or romanticized to an unrealistic degree. While a "happy memory" is positive, nostalgia often involves a longing for a past that may not have been entirely positive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "happy memory" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "happy" modifies the noun "memory". Ludwig AI confirms that this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. It describes a particular type of memory.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "happy memory" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a positive recollection, as verified by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans various contexts, with a strong presence in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to consider the audience and context when sharing "happy memories", ensuring sensitivity to others' experiences. Alternatives like "joyful recollection" or "fond memory" can offer nuanced variations, but the core sentiment remains the same: a pleasant and cherished moment from the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joyful recollection

Replaces "memory" with "recollection" and "happy" with "joyful", emphasizing the joy associated with the recalled event.

heartwarming memory

Replaces "happy" with "heartwarming", emphasizing the emotional and comforting aspect of the memory.

pleasant remembrance

Substitutes "memory" with "remembrance" and "happy" with "pleasant", suggesting a positive and agreeable recollection.

fond memory

Replaces "happy" with "fond", indicating affection and warm feelings associated with the memory.

treasured memory

Replaces "happy" with "treasured", highlighting the value and importance of the memory.

cherished moment

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on a specific, valued moment in time, implying happiness.

delightful memory

Replaces "happy" with "delightful", highlighting the joy and pleasure associated with the memory.

sweet memory

Uses "sweet" instead of "happy", suggesting a gentle and pleasant recollection.

golden memory

Substitutes "happy" with "golden", suggesting a precious and valuable memory.

positive memory

Uses "positive" instead of "happy", providing a broader and perhaps less intense description of the memory.

FAQs

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

You can use "happy memory" to describe a positive recollection, such as: "The trip to the beach is a "happy memory" I will always cherish."

What are some alternatives to saying "happy memory"?

Alternatives include "joyful recollection", "pleasant remembrance", or "fond memory", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it always appropriate to share a "happy memory"?

While generally positive, consider the context. Sharing a "happy memory" may be insensitive in situations where others are experiencing sadness or hardship. Knowing your audience is important.

What's the difference between a "happy memory" and nostalgia?

A "happy memory" is a positive recollection of a specific event, while nostalgia is a broader sentimentality for the past, which may involve a longing for something idealized, not necessarily just for one specific event. They can sometimes overlap.