lapse of memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'lapse of memory' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation when someone forgets something or fails to remember something. For example: "I apologize for my lapse of memory, I completely forgot you were coming over today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

This lapse of memory pained him.

The New Yorker

I became well used to her beautiful smile breaking over a lapse of memory or idiosyncrasy.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have to confess to a dreadful lapse of memory and judgement.

The Guardian

And I was in front and then I had a lapse of memory.

The Guardian - Sport

He said he had not deliberately lied, but it was a "lapse of memory".

Independent

"I was sleep-deprived," said Senator Clinton about her lapse of memory about sniper fire, "and I misspoke".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"If he has cognitive impairments, it is obvious that he will have lapses of memory.

The New York Times

But do Rachel's own lapses of memory hide a guiltier secret?

The Guardian - Film

So do her many delusions, lapses of memory and outright lies, all documented by Tuszynska.

The New York Times - Books

The evidence has been littered with toilet-talk, allegations of excessive boozing, suggestions of untruthfulness and constant lapses of memory.

The Guardian - Business

Occasionally, at concerts, there were lapses of memory, though Mrs. H., a brilliant improviser, could usually cover these.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal or legal contexts, this phrase is effective for admitting a mistake without necessarily admitting to a deliberate lie

Common error

Avoid using "lapse of memory" to describe chronic neurological conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease unless you are referring to a specific, isolated incident within that condition. For ongoing states, terms like "cognitive decline" or "memory loss" are more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lapse of memory" functions as a complex noun phrase, typically acting as the direct object of verbs like "have", "suffer" or "experience". According to Ludwig, it is frequently used to provide a specific cause for an otherwise unexplained error or omission.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lapse of memory" is a well-established and correct English expression used to describe a temporary failure to recall information. Analysis from Ludwig shows that it is highly prevalent in quality journalism and literature, often serving as a polite or professional way to admit to forgetfulness. Unlike more clinical terms, it emphasizes the transience of the event, making it ideal for social apologies or describing accidental errors. Whether you are reading a political transcript in The Guardian or a literary piece in The New Yorker, you will find this phrase used to humanize the subject by acknowledging that even the most meticulous individuals can occasionally forget.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lapse of recollection

A more formal and slightly more technical variation

mental lapse

Broader term that can include failures of judgment or concentration alongside memory

mental blank

More informal and emphasizes the sudden inability to think of anything

memory slip

Suggests a minor or accidental error rather than a complete failure

short-term forgetfulness

More descriptive and less idiomatic than the original phrase

momentary oversight

Shifts the focus from the failure of memory to the resulting error or missed detail

senior moment

A colloquial and often self-deprecating term used to describe age-related forgetfulness

forgetful spell

Implies a period of time during which one is prone to forgetting

brain fade

A modern, informal term often used in sports or high-pressure situations

temporary amnesia

Much stronger and often used hyperbolically or in a medical context

FAQs

How do I use "lapse of memory" in a sentence?

You can use it to explain an error, for example: "I apologize for the delay; I had a sudden "lapse of memory" regarding our meeting time".

What is the difference between a "lapse of memory" and "memory loss"?

A "lapse of memory" is usually a temporary, one-time event, whereas "memory loss" often implies a more permanent or long-term condition.

Can I say "lapse in memory" instead?

Yes, "lapse in memory" is a perfectly valid and common variation that is interchangeable with the original phrase.

Is "lapse of memory" formal enough for a business letter?

Absolutely. It is considered a "professional" and polite way to acknowledge a mistake or a missed detail.