in recollection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in recollection" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the conscious memory of an event or experience that has occurred in the past. For example, "These days are remembered fondly in recollection, even years later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I watched it go, lost in recollection.

The Guardian - Books

when the movement implied in recollection has supervened on some other which is its condition.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Her parents appear in the present day only via the telephone, but are vivid in recollection.

The New York Times - Books

In recollection, the bulk of the melodrama of "La Bayadère" collapsed like a fallen soufflé.

The New York Times - Arts

Only in recollection does the pain of such a moment make itself felt.

The New York Times

It was a public event, modestly presented, and private in recollection.

The New Yorker

Villa, sitting in the afternoon sun under a big pampas sky, smiles in recollection.

The Guardian - Sport

"My childhood was, in recollection, a generally sunny time," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

Headingley inspired, as well, some convivial toasts in recollection and celebration of those happily still with us.

The Guardian - Sport

Scientists are discovering that our senses and even our emotions play important roles in recollection and remembrance.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The dialogue occasionally bulges with a shoehorned-in recollection or recrimination, but Mr. Pendleton lays out this smorgasbord of personal and professional histories with surprising ease, casually breaking the fourth wall here and there to tie up loose ends.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in recollection" to add a tone of thoughtful consideration or nostalgia to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in recollection" interchangeably with phrases like "in retrospect" or "in memory" if the specific nuance of active remembering is not intended. "In retrospect" implies a changed understanding, while "in memory" suggests honoring something from the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in recollection" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the context of remembering or recalling something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the conscious memory of an event or experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in recollection" is a grammatically sound and widely used prepositional phrase that adds a reflective or nostalgic tone to writing. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes a conscious memory of a past event. Its usage spans various contexts, from News & Media to academic research, showcasing its versatility. While alternatives like "in retrospect" or "in memory" exist, "in recollection" specifically emphasizes the act of remembering. Its consistent presence in reputable sources underscores its legitimacy and value in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in remembrance

Focuses specifically on remembering someone who has died or something that is past.

in memory

Highlights the act of preserving a memory, often with emotional significance.

in retrospect

Emphasizes looking back on a past event with a different understanding.

upon reflection

Suggests a more thoughtful and deliberate consideration of past events.

looking back

A more general way to refer to thinking about the past.

as i recall

Indicates a personal recollection, often with a slight uncertainty.

to the best of my recollection

Adds a level of qualification, suggesting the memory may not be perfect.

from memory

Implies recalling something without external aids.

if i remember correctly

Acknowledges the possibility of an inaccurate memory.

thinking back

Another way of expressing 'looking back'.

FAQs

How can I use "in recollection" in a sentence?

You can use "in recollection" to refer to something being remembered, as in "The event seemed less daunting "in recollection" than it did at the time".

What phrases are similar to "in recollection"?

Similar phrases include "in remembrance", "in memory", and "in retrospect", each carrying slightly different connotations related to remembering or reflecting on the past.

Is "in recollection" formal or informal?

"In recollection" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it tends to be more common in written than spoken language. It adds a touch of thoughtfulness to the expression.

What's the difference between "in recollection" and "in memory"?

"In recollection" refers to the act of actively remembering something, while "in memory" is often used to honor or commemorate someone or something that is past. For example, you might say, "The details faded "in recollection"," but you would dedicate a statue "in memory" of a fallen hero.