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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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memo that

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "memo that" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear what context you intend to use it in, as "memo" typically refers to a written message or note, and "that" does not provide sufficient information. Example: "Please memo that the meeting has been rescheduled." (This is not a standard usage.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The memo that came across Mr Carmichael's desk was unquestionably a matter of public interest.

"I have not seen anything, including this memo," that pointed to systemic cheating, he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

Covington produced a memo that offered assurances that MERS could operate legally nationwide.

News & Media

The New York Times

Last month, the standards editor at The New York Times wrote a memo that shocked — shocked!

He would refuse to read a management memo that was longer than one side of A4.

Apparently I missed the memo that said I had to be pigeonholed by race and gender.

News & Media

The New York Times

This dastardly act led to a warning memo that was posted on Sina Weibo, the Twitter-like service in China.

News & Media

The New York Times

What would Senator Obama have made of the "targeted killing" memo that NBC News published on Monday?

News & Media

The New York Times

If the next memo that came out was on key, the update would be out today.

News & Media

TechCrunch

I wanted to provide an update on the memo that was circulated over this past week.

News & Media

TechCrunch

That is the gist of a recent Department of Energy DOEE) security memo that has some researchers amused.

Science & Research

Science Magazine
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "memo that", consider replacing it with phrases like "memo stating that" or "memo indicating that" to enhance clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "memo that" without clearly specifying the action or information conveyed by the memo. Instead, provide more context by using alternatives such as "the memo specifying that" or "a memo outlining that".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

3.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "memo that" functions as a connector introducing the content or subject of a memorandum. While frequently used, Ludwig AI indicates it lacks grammatical precision and benefits from more descriptive alternatives for enhanced clarity. It is frequently found connecting a noun (memo) with a dependent clause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "memo that" is frequently encountered, particularly in News & Media, it lacks grammatical precision. Ludwig AI suggests that replacing it with more descriptive alternatives such as "memo stating that" or "memo indicating that" enhances clarity and grammatical correctness. Though common, opting for more specific phrasing improves the overall quality and professionalism of your writing. Although this construction is frequent, it is still categorized as 'Incorrect' from a grammatical point of view. It's recommended to use the alternatives we provided, such as "the memo stating that".

FAQs

How can I make the phrase "memo that" more grammatically correct?

To improve the grammar, replace "memo that" with more specific phrases such as "the memo stating that", "a memo indicating that", or "the memo confirming that". These alternatives provide better clarity and grammatical structure.

What are some alternatives to using "memo that" in professional writing?

In professional settings, consider using alternatives like "memo detailing that", "memo explaining that", or "memo outlining that" to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Is there a difference in formality between "memo that" and "memo stating that"?

While "memo that" is frequently used, it lacks grammatical precision. "Memo stating that" is more formal and grammatically sound, making it a better choice for professional communication.

When is it appropriate to use "memo that," and when should I avoid it?

While commonly used, "memo that" is grammatically weak. It's best to avoid it in formal writing. In informal contexts, if clarity isn't compromised, it might be acceptable. However, alternatives like "memo mentioning that" or "memo noting that" often provide better clarity.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

3.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: