memory lapse

USAGE SUMMARY

"memory lapse" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, particularly in the context of an individual forgetting something.
For example, you could say: "I had a memory lapse and forgot my friend's birthday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Talk about a memory lapse.

The New York Times

Memory Lapse: Hendrik Hertzberg on Clinton's improper logic.

The New Yorker

Despite his late night memory lapse, Balls is not heard castigating corporate predators.

The Guardian

That incident and the momentary memory lapse happened to Mr. Albee himself.

The New York Times

Due to a memory lapse she could not tell the father's name.

The New Yorker

Despite the memory lapse, Gabriel evinces a suspicious eloquence and flair for abstract thought.

The New York Times

(2) A memory lapse or other sign of ineptitude attributable to advancing age.

The New York Times

Memory lapse"I'm up in the Senate most Tuesdays when they're in session.

The Economist

Memory lapse: in Salmond's heftily subsidised Darien there are no losers.

Independent

Mr. Perry is not the first public figure to suffer an embarrassing memory lapse.

The New York Times

Terrified of any memory lapse, she takes it out on her 10-year-old son, Diego.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with descriptive adjectives like "momentary", "embarrassing", or "unfortunate" to provide clearer context for the severity of the incident.

Common error

Avoid using "memory lapse" when referring to permanent cognitive decline or total identity loss. A lapse implies a temporary and reversible failure. For more serious conditions, consider using more precise terms like "dementia" or "amnesia".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "memory lapse" functions primarily as a compound noun. In the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, it often acts as the direct object of verbs like "suffer", "experience", or "have". It is used to label a specific cognitive event rather than a general state of being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "memory lapse" is an essential phrase for describing temporary failures in recall across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and highly usable term in written English. Whether you are reading a political report in The New Yorker or a health study in a medical journal, the phrase provides a precise, neutral way to discuss forgetting. It is distinct from permanent cognitive issues, functioning instead as a label for specific, often isolated incidents. For writers, it remains a superior choice to more slang-heavy terms like "brain freeze" when maintaining a professional or journalistic tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lapse in memory

Adds a prepositional structure to emphasize the void or gap created by the event

recall failure

Uses more clinical language suitable for scientific or technical documentation

forgetful moment

Softens the tone, making it more personal and less clinical

memory gap

Focuses on the missing information rather than the event of the lapse itself

mental block

Specifically refers to an inability to access a specific piece of information despite knowing it

momentary amnesia

Increases the dramatic weight of the forgetting event

brain freeze

Uses informal, colloquial language to describe a sudden stop in thought

blank spot

A metaphorical way to describe a specific area of missing knowledge

senior moment

Adds an age-related connotation, often used humorously or self-deprecatingly

absent-mindedness

Describes a general state of inattention rather than a specific incident

FAQs

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

You can use it as a subject or object to describe forgetting something. For example: "The politician suffered a sudden "memory lapse" during the live televised debate."

What is a more informal way to say "memory lapse"?

Depending on the severity, you might use alternatives like "forgetful moment", "brain freeze", or "senior moment".

Is it "memory lapse" or "lapse in memory"?

Both are correct. "memory lapse" is a compound noun, while "lapse in memory" is a noun phrase with a prepositional modifier. The former is slightly more concise and common in news headlines.

What is the difference between a "memory lapse" and a "mental block"?

A "memory lapse" is a general term for forgetting something you previously knew, whereas a "mental block" specifically refers to being unable to recall information despite it being 'on the tip of your tongue'.