ignite memories

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ignite memories" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: The smell of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies always ignites memories of my grandmother's kitchen.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A 20th anniversary can ignite memories, and it certainly was a pleasant time when Baker-Finch won here in 1989 to launch himself on a collision course with stardom.

The New York Times - Sports

But at least for now the rise of China is helping to ignite memories of the country's historical role as a trading hub.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But in "como el musguito" the musical selections, credited to Matthias Burkert and Andreas Eisenschneider, are more about creating an atmosphere than about igniting memories and emotions.

The New York Times - Arts

Focus groups were also carried out since group discussion may ignite different memories and ideas for individual participants, with new or additional themes emerging from group interaction.

BMC Cancer

But those tears were ignited by memories, not memorabilia.

The New York Times - Sports

An assassin who killed an anti-apartheid leader in South Africa in 1993 has won parole, igniting bitter memories of racial unrest during white rule as well as fresh scrutiny of the punishment for crimes committed in that era.

The Guardian

The scene of the crime on the eighth floor, ignited past memories.

Huffington Post

Mr. Grazer, who visited Jay-Z in the studio last week and heard seven of the new songs, said he was impressed by how the movie had "ignited all these memories of his childhood and how he grew up and the experiences he had, and the moral crossroads he had constantly in his life that were so parallel to Frank Lucas's".

The New York Times - Arts

But for the thousands more young professionals living and working in the city's nearby office blocks, the protests have re-ignited some worrying memories.

BBC

Flowers ignite an everlasting memory of a special moment in time and have the ability to convey many different emotions.

Huffington Post

It was clear that Edinburgh ignited myriad feelings and memories in me.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ignite memories" when you want to convey a sense of sudden or powerful recollection. It's particularly effective when describing sensory experiences or emotional triggers that bring memories to the forefront.

Common error

While "ignite memories" is vivid, it can sound melodramatic in formal writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "evoke memories" or "trigger recollections" in academic or business contexts to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ignite memories" functions as a verb + noun construction where "ignite" acts as a transitive verb, taking "memories" as its direct object. The verb describes the action of triggering or initiating the memories, creating a vivid image of recollection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ignite memories" is a grammatically correct and vivid expression used to describe the triggering of recollections, as confirmed by Ludwig. While suitable for various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in News & Media. More formal settings may benefit from alternatives such as "evoke memories" or "trigger recollections". Ludwig's examples and additional analysis help refine its usage, ensuring clarity and appropriateness in different writing scenarios. Use "ignite memories" to highlight the intensity and suddenness of recalled experiences. However, be mindful of your context and audience; it may not be suitable for every situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoke memories

Substitutes "ignite" with "evoke", emphasizing the calling forth of memories.

rekindle memories

Uses "rekindle" instead of "ignite", suggesting a revival of fading memories.

spark memories

Uses "spark" as a synonym for "ignite", suggesting a sudden burst of memory.

awaken memories

Substitutes "ignite" with "awaken", highlighting the bringing of dormant memories to consciousness.

trigger recollections

Replaces "memories" with "recollections" and "ignite" with "trigger", focusing on the act of starting a memory.

activate memories

Uses "activate" as a synonym of "ignite", suggesting the start of memories.

prompt memories

Employs "prompt" to mean initiating or causing memories to arise.

stir up memories

Replaces "ignite" with the phrasal verb "stir up", indicating the act of disturbing or bringing memories to the surface.

call forth memories

Replaces "ignite" with "call forth", indicating a conscious effort to summon memories.

resurrect memories

Substitute "ignite" with "resurrect" to emphasize the recovery of memories that may have been forgotten

FAQs

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

Use "ignite memories" when describing a sensory experience or trigger that causes a sudden and vivid recollection. For example, "The smell of the old book "ignited memories" of my childhood library."

What are some alternatives to "ignite memories" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "evoke memories", "spark memories", or "stir up memories" depending on the context.

Is "ignite memories" too strong for formal writing?

In some formal contexts, "ignite memories" might be perceived as too dramatic. Consider using more neutral alternatives such as "trigger recollections" or "awaken memories" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "ignite memories" and "rekindle memories"?

"Ignite memories" implies a sudden and forceful triggering of memories, while "rekindle memories" suggests a gentle revival of memories that may have faded over time.