imprecise memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imprecise memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a recollection that is not clear or accurate, often in discussions about personal experiences or cognitive psychology. Example: "As I tried to recount the events of that day, I realized that my imprecise memory was making it difficult to provide a clear account."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The prevalence of traumatization has been determined by Häuser et al. [ 10] retrospectively, which may represent yet another source of error – due to blurred or imprecise memories.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

What seems to gall people is the potential damage that might be done to their memories, however imprecise, of Audrey Hepburn.

The New York Times

Many of them rely on women's memories of what hormone treatments they took, and memories can be imprecise.

The New York Times - Science

The formulation of a correct diagnosis and the delivery of optimal care depend on accurate communication between patients and clinicians regarding patients' symptoms that necessitate reliance on memory, which is often imprecise.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The retrospective questions regarding eye clinic visits may be imprecise especially in the elderly due to memory loss.

BMJ Open

"Memories of exact angles are usually imprecise, which we confirmed during the first set of one-line tasks.

Columbia University

The onion-pear sauce for this pot-roasted pork has its origins in an imprecise recollection that has been rattling around in my memory since some time in the late 1990s or very early 2000s.

HuffPost

Five-year average exposure and exposure 4 years preceding the second assessment were consistently associated with a decline in cognition for all particle metrics for reasoning and memory (Table 3); however, the effects were relatively imprecise.

Epidemiology

Yet, it is imprecise to say that's how "Wit" ends, not when the memory can be forever haunted by the play's final vision, and a glorious, affirming vision it is.

The New York Times

I don't remember my exact reaction to that information Mason also explains how we edit memories in the retelling, so any recollection would probably be imprecise anyway but I must have responded with emotional movements expressing surprise, a common response from me during the intriguing introduction to neurobiology.

University of Chicago

Something about mixing adorably-imprecise ingredients and recalling faded memories as doughy smells fill the room puts me into a jubilant mindset reminiscent of Julia Child or Paula Deen.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal experiences, acknowledge that your "imprecise memory" may influence the accuracy of your narrative. This adds credibility by demonstrating self-awareness.

Common error

Avoid presenting information from an "imprecise memory" as absolute fact. Qualify your statements to reflect the uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imprecise memory" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "imprecise" modifies "memory". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, primarily serving to describe a recollection that is not clear or accurate.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "imprecise memory" is a grammatically sound and widely applicable term for describing recollections that lack specific details or complete accuracy. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and academic writing. While it is not the most common phrase, it offers a precise way to acknowledge the fallibility of human memory. When using "imprecise memory", consider whether alternatives like "vague recollection" or "unclear memory" might better suit the specific context. Always qualify statements based on potentially flawed memories.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Vague recollection

Emphasizes the lack of clear details in the memory.

Unclear memory

Focuses on the lack of clarity and definition within the memory.

Faulty memory

Highlights the unreliability and potential for errors in the memory.

Unreliable memory

Stresses the untrustworthy nature of the memory.

Imperfect recollection

Acknowledges the memory is not flawless or complete.

Distorted memory

Indicates the memory has been altered or misrepresented.

Hazy memory

Suggests the memory is blurred and difficult to perceive clearly.

Faded memory

Implies the memory has weakened or lost intensity over time.

Flawed memory

Highlights specific defects or shortcomings within the memory.

Inaccurate memory

Directly states the memory contains incorrect details or information.

FAQs

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

You can use "imprecise memory" to describe a recollection that lacks specific details or may not be entirely accurate. For example, "Due to my imprecise memory, I can't recall the exact date of the event."

What are some alternatives to "imprecise memory"?

Some alternatives include "vague recollection", "unclear memory", or "faulty memory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "imprecise memory" or "poor memory"?

"Imprecise memory" suggests a lack of specific detail or potential inaccuracy, while "poor memory" generally refers to a broader difficulty in recalling information. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What causes an "imprecise memory"?

Factors such as the passage of time, emotional state during the event, subsequent experiences, and the way memories are retrieved and reconstructed can all contribute to an "imprecise memory".