memory lapses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "memory lapses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe instances where someone forgets information or experiences a temporary inability to recall memories. Example: "After the accident, she experienced several memory lapses that made it difficult for her to remember recent events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deitchler still has short-term memory lapses.

The New York Times - Sports

It shows memory lapses can take effect quickly.

The New York Times

His speech has slowed considerably, and he has memory lapses.

The New York Times

These presumed memory lapses were probably carefully rehearsed.

The New York Times - Arts

Peter is hardly the only character subject to memory lapses.

The New Yorker

Art also proceeds thanks to some convenient memory lapses.

The New York Times - Arts

Memory lapses after fifty are normal and in some ways beneficial.

The New Yorker

Kat Lauterback, a county worker, said the topiramate caused memory lapses, a well-known side effect.

The New York Times

Craggy and grey-haired, he cracks gags about memory lapses, after turning 52.

The Economist

In the years before his death, he'd had memory lapses, and had become more volatile.

The New Yorker

Then came cruel attacks on my occasional memory lapses and less-than-perfect pocketbook-organizing skills.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing health conditions or medical symptoms, use "memory lapses" to accurately convey temporary or infrequent instances of forgetfulness. This avoids implying a more severe condition like dementia without proper diagnosis.

Common error

Avoid using "memory lapses" interchangeably with terms like "dementia" or "Alzheimer's disease". "Memory lapses" are occasional and can be caused by stress, fatigue, or normal aging, while dementia is a persistent and progressive cognitive decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "memory lapses" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes instances or occurrences of temporary memory failure. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

27%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "memory lapses" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes temporary instances of forgetfulness. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It commonly appears in news, media, and scientific contexts, often used to report cognitive functions or symptoms. While it's essential to use the term accurately and avoid confusing it with more severe conditions like dementia, understanding its appropriate usage can enhance clarity in both writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief forgetfulness

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the memory issue with "brief" and replaces "lapses" with the more common term "forgetfulness".

moments of forgetfulness

Highlights specific instances rather than a general condition, using "moments" and the noun form "forgetfulness".

sporadic memory loss

Highlights the irregular occurrence of memory problems with the term "sporadic".

cognitive slips

Replaces "memory" with "cognitive" to emphasize mental processes and uses "slips" instead of "lapses", focusing on minor errors.

occasional memory glitches

Uses an informal term, "glitches", to describe minor and infrequent memory malfunctions.

recall difficulties

Focuses on the active process of retrieving information, using "recall" to emphasize the effort involved.

memory blanks

Uses a more informal term, "blanks", to describe periods where memory is inaccessible.

short-term memory problems

Specifies the type of memory affected, focusing on the short-term rather than long-term recall.

fleeting amnesia

Introduces a clinical term, "amnesia", to suggest a more severe, though temporary, memory impairment.

temporary cognitive impairment

Broadens the scope to cognitive function in general, suggesting a wider range of mental processes are affected.

FAQs

How to use "memory lapses" in a sentence?

You can use "memory lapses" to describe instances of temporary forgetfulness, such as, "Stress and lack of sleep can contribute to frequent "memory lapses"".

What can I say instead of "memory lapses"?

You can use alternatives like "brief forgetfulness", "recall difficulties", or "sporadic memory loss depending on the context.

Which is correct, "memory lapses" or "memory loss"?

"Memory lapses" refers to temporary or occasional instances of forgetfulness, while "memory loss" suggests a more persistent or significant decline in memory function. The appropriate term depends on the specific situation.

What's the difference between "memory lapses" and "senior moments"?

"Memory lapses" is a more general and clinical term for forgetfulness, while "senior moments" is an informal term often used to describe minor memory slips associated with aging. The first is neutral and the second is informal.