it feels like a distant memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it feels like a distant memory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reflecting on something that happened in the past that seems far removed or less significant now. Example: "After all these years, my childhood seems like a distant memory, fading with each passing day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It just works" feels like a distant memory at the moment.

Forbes

Already, that election feels like a distant memory from a different era.

The Guardian - Opinion

That feels like a distant memory as Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys has surpassed Wentz in terms of hype, wins and statistics.

The New York Times - Sports

The World Cup feels like a distant memory, but the Real-Barca rivalry is more alive than ever, on and off the field.

The New York Times

Injuries and an inevitable loss of form – even LeBron James would have struggled to maintain Lin's level of play over those two weeks – means Linsanity feels like a distant memory.

The Guardian - Sport

Now that hassle feels like a distant memory.

Forbes

For most of us, I suspect, the holiday break feels like a distant memory.

Forbes

His spectacular April, in which he batted.344, already feels like a distant memory.

Los Angeles Times

A lot of it, it does really feel like a distant memory, so it's going to be quite strange to have that sort of thrusted into people's face all over again.

Huffington Post

RECLAIM YOUR DIGNITY It may feel like a distant memory, but try to think back to the time when you were employed and felt useful.

The New Yorker

It may feel like a distant memory, but 15 years ago none of this was possible.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to effectively convey a sense of detachment from past events, highlighting their diminished relevance in the present.

Common error

Refrain from using this phrase repeatedly within a short span of writing; doing so can make your prose sound repetitive and uninspired. Strive for variety in your expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it feels like a distant memory" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey the sensation that a past event or period is far removed from the present, both in time and emotional impact. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it feels like a distant memory" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that effectively communicates a sense of detachment from past events. As Ludwig shows, it's frequently found in News & Media. When using this phrase, be mindful of overuse and ensure it aligns with the intended tone and context of your writing. Remember that you can replace this phrase with alternatives such as "it seems like a lifetime ago" or "it's almost forgotten" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It seems like a lifetime ago

Emphasizes the extensive passage of time since the event.

It's a fading recollection

Focuses on the diminishing clarity of the memory.

It's almost forgotten

Highlights that the event is nearing complete oblivion.

It's like a dream from long ago

Compares the memory to a dream, suggesting it's surreal and detached from reality.

It's relegated to the past

Emphasizes the memory's confinement to history.

It's ancient history now

Implies the event is no longer relevant or important.

It's a thing of the past

A more general way of saying something is no longer current.

It's water under the bridge

Indicates that the event is over and done with, and not worth dwelling on.

It's slipped my mind

Highlights the unintentional forgetting of an event.

It barely registers anymore

Indicates that the memory has become insignificant or unnoticed.

FAQs

What does "it feels like a distant memory" mean?

This phrase means that something that happened in the past seems far away and less significant or vivid now. It suggests a sense of detachment from the event.

How can I use "it feels like a distant memory" in a sentence?

You might say, "The excitement of graduation "it feels like a distant memory" now that I'm facing the challenges of the job market."

What can I say instead of "it feels like a distant memory"?

You can use alternatives like "it seems like a lifetime ago", "it's a fading recollection", or "it's almost forgotten" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it feels like a distant memory"?

It's appropriate to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the remoteness or insignificance of a past event in relation to your current situation or feelings.