made me recall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made me recall" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate a memory being brought to your attention. For example: "The smell of freshly cut grass made me recall playing in my grandfather's garden when I was a child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He made me recall hours spent watching a black-and-white box as a teenager.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It made me recall the Joni Mitchell lyric — "Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got till it's gone".

The New York Times

It also made me recall something the writer Dagoberto Gilb, a former construction worker, once said: "My favorite ethnic group is smart".

The New York Times - Books

The episode made me recall the argument of a fierce Girls season one critic, who countered the suggestion that Dunham's project is self-skewering satire.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sinclair's remark made me recall another poem near the end of the Birthday Letters sequence, carefully placed among those about Plath's last days.

The Guardian - Books

The death of the former New York Giants pitcher Larry Jansen made me recall an incident that illustrated what a great competitor he was (Obituary, Oct. 14).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

("Every ghetto, every city and suburban place I've been/ Make me recall my days in the New Jerusalem").

The New York Times - Style

These particular news stories -- celebrations marred by violence -- make me recall the particularly potent marriage between alcohol and anger, a feature of drinking you'll never see depicted in the glossy, fun-filled ads for Stoli or Bud.

The New York Times

The massively enchanting (and meticulous) structures built by the installation artist Tom Bendtsen make me recall the endless fun of childhood fort-building, though of course my creations were on a smaller scale, and generally employed couch pillows, bedsheets, and cardboard boxes.

The New Yorker

By Monica Racic December 1, 2009 The massively enchanting (and meticulous) structures built by the installation artist Tom Bendtsen make me recall the endless fun of childhood fort-building, though of course my creations were on a smaller scale, and generally employed couch pillows, bedsheets, and cardboard boxes.

The New Yorker

It also makes me recall a time, about 20 years ago, when I was in their shoes -- a writer with a toddler and another baby on the way, a husband, a house, and a part-time job -- and attending talks by authors who had "made it".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made me recall" to connect a present experience or observation with a past memory, providing context or insight. For example, "The old photograph made me recall the summer I spent with my grandparents."

Common error

Avoid using "made me recall" when a simpler "reminded me" or "made me remember" suffices. "Recall" often implies a more conscious or effortful act of bringing something to mind, so ensure it fits the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made me recall" functions as a causative verb phrase, where 'made' indicates causation and 'recall' signifies the act of bringing something back to memory. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct, fitting within standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made me recall" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the triggering of a memory, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it is appropriate for various contexts, though simpler alternatives like "reminded me" may sometimes be more suitable. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase serves to connect present experiences with past memories, adding depth and personal context. Consider the nuances of word choice and the desired level of formality when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reminded me of

A more common and less formal way to express a similar idea.

made me think back to

Focuses on the act of thinking about a past event or time.

brought to my recollection

Uses more formal vocabulary; replaces 'recall' with 'recollection' and 'made' with 'brought'.

evoked memories of

A more literary and evocative way to describe the remembering process.

sparked a memory of

Emphasizes the sudden and triggering nature of the memory.

conjured up memories of

Suggests a vivid and detailed recollection.

rekindled memories of

Suggests that the memories were fading and are now revived.

stirred up old memories

Implies the memories were dormant and then activated.

prompted a reflection on

Indicates a thoughtful consideration of something in the past.

caused me to reminisce about

Highlights the act of reflecting on past experiences.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "made me recall"?

A more formal alternative to "made me recall" is "brought to my recollection", which uses more sophisticated vocabulary.

How can I use "made me recall" in a sentence?

You can use "made me recall" to show a connection between a current event and a past memory, for example: "The scent of rain on hot asphalt made me recall my childhood summers".

What's the difference between "made me recall" and "reminded me of"?

"Made me recall" often suggests a more deliberate or vivid bringing to mind of a memory, while "reminded me of" is a more general and common expression for sparking a memory.

What can I say instead of "made me recall" to emphasize a sudden memory?

To emphasize a sudden or triggered memory, try using phrases like "sparked a memory of" or "stirred up old memories".