i have a vague memory

USAGE SUMMARY

"I have a vague memory" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a recollection of a past event or experience that is hazy and hard to remember clearly. For example: "I have a vague memory of visiting the Grand Canyon when I was a child, but I don't remember much about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But I have a vague memory that he's personable, suave, and relaxed.

The New Yorker

So I have a vague memory of it, but I've never sat down and watched the whole film.

The Guardian

I have a vague memory of a couple of Mrs Hoddles, but can't quite imagine interviewing either.

The Guardian - Sport

I have a vague memory of my friend Joel Arthur Rosenthal egging me on to approach Marie-Hélène.

The New York Times - Style

The rest of the match was a blur, but I have a vague memory of losing, 5-7, 1-6.

The New York Times

I have a vague memory of catching part of some sort of staging on PBS late at night.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

I had a vague memory of him in an Indian headdress, racing down a hallway.

The New Yorker

I had a vague memory of being carried up some stairs, over his shoulders.

The Guardian - Books

But the Sherlock Holmes aspect surprised me: when he mentioned a fall, I had a vague memory of pain.

The New York Times

The iPad comes in a box, and I had a vague memory of Nicholson Baker's first moments with the Kindle ("It came, via UPS, in a big cardboard box").

The New Yorker

"I had a vague memory of him being in Naked Gun," she says, "but I didn't know what sport he had played – to me, in terms of celebrity, he was no big deal".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i have a vague memory" when you want to acknowledge a recollection but also indicate that your memory of the event or detail is not very clear or complete.

Common error

Avoid using "i have a vague memory" if you suspect your memory might be factually incorrect. This phrase is better suited for expressing a lack of clarity, not a known error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i have a vague memory" functions as an introductory expression to indicate an uncertain or incomplete recollection. It is a common way to preface information that the speaker remembers partially, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i have a vague memory" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express an unclear or incomplete recollection. According to Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, but primarily appears in News & Media. When using the phrase, remember that it conveys uncertainty, not necessarily inaccuracy. Consider alternatives such as "i dimly recall" or "i vaguely remember" for different nuances. Always be mindful of the context and adjust your language accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i vaguely remember

Rephrases the idea using an adverb to modify "remember."

i dimly recall

Uses "dimly" and "recall" to suggest a faint recollection.

my memory is hazy

Shifts the focus to the state of the memory itself being unclear.

i have a blurred memory

Employs "blurred" to depict an indistinct recollection.

i barely remember

Highlights the scantiness of the recollection.

it's a distant memory

Emphasizes that the memory occurred long ago.

i don't clearly remember

Uses a negative construction to express the lack of clarity.

my recollection is fuzzy

Indicates that the recollection lacks sharpness.

i recall something indistinctly

Indicates that the recollection is not distinct or well-defined.

i only partially remember

Highlights the incompleteness of the memory.

FAQs

How can I use "i have a vague memory" in a sentence?

You can use "i have a vague memory" to introduce something you remember partially or unclearly. For example, "I have a vague memory of that movie, but I can't recall the ending."

What's a more formal way to say "i have a vague memory"?

In a more formal context, you could say "i dimly recall" or "my recollection of that is somewhat hazy". See also: "i dimly recall".

What can I say instead of "i have a vague memory"?

You can use alternatives like "i vaguely remember", "i barely remember", or "it's a distant memory depending on the context". See also: "i vaguely remember".

When is it appropriate to use "i have a vague memory"?

It is appropriate when you want to acknowledge some memory of something, but also express that you don't remember it very well or clearly. This can be useful in conversations, writing, or discussions where precision isn't critical.