one could remember

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one could remember" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of recalling a memory or information in a hypothetical or general sense. Example: "In times of uncertainty, one could remember the lessons learned from past experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"When Prohibition was repealed, they kicked the doors open and kept going". On Friday, no one could remember what the bar's original name was.

Los Angeles Times

Many of the Moken were wearing copper amulets around their necks depicting the Buddha — gifts from the abbot, who had lectured them on the Buddha's teachings — but no one could remember who the man on the pendant was.

The New Yorker

Occasionally, a neophyte or a surfer with a flimsy suit will tire and need to be pulled to shore, but no one could remember a death brought on strictly by the cold.

The New York Times

No one could remember such a harsh assault on a president's court nominee, and it set the tone for a campaign-style attack that lasted into the fall.

Los Angeles Times

No one could remember, and the lawyers more than once were on the point of calling him Mr. Whoozis, or Whatyoumaycallit.

The New Yorker

No one could remember a professional football player having such a tribute, on the field, the coffin open for fans, who waited in long lines that descended the stadium steps for a glimpse of their Kansas City hero.

The New York Times - Sports

No one could remember.

The New Yorker

No one could remember seeing that before.

The New York Times - Sports

No one could remember her being moved like this.

The New York Times - Sports

No one could remember seeing anything like it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The only one I could remember seeing was 16-year-old BarrettBarrett, who has just started her tenure on The X Factor.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one could remember" to introduce a hypothetical situation or a general possibility of recalling something, especially when the subject is unspecified or universal.

Common error

Avoid using "one could remember" in very informal settings where it might sound overly formal or stilted. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "someone might remember" or "you might remember" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one could remember" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the potential or possibility of someone recalling information or an event. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts to indicate a general capacity for memory.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one could remember" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the possibility of someone recalling something. According to Ludwig, it is prevalent in news, media, and scientific contexts, reflecting a neutral to formal register. While versatile, avoid overusing it in very informal contexts. Remember that it's important to consider the audience and choose a phrasing that suits the situation. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one might recall

Uses "might" instead of "could", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

one is capable of remembering

Directly states the capacity to remember.

it is possible to recall

Emphasizes possibility over ability; more formal.

it's plausible to remember

Implies that remembering is believable or likely.

it is feasible to remember

Highlights the practicality or feasibility of remembering.

it is conceivable to remember

Highlights the conceivability of remembering something.

one has the potential to remember

Emphasizes the potential or possibility of remembering.

it is imaginable to remember

Stresses the ease with which something can be imagined or remembered.

it is within one's ability to remember

Focuses on the ability of an individual to remember something.

it is not impossible to remember

Uses a double negative to express possibility, less direct.

FAQs

How can I use "one could remember" in a sentence?

Use "one could remember" to express a general possibility of recalling something. For example, "In the future, "one could remember" this moment as a turning point."

What are some alternatives to "one could remember"?

You can use alternatives such as "one might recall", "it is possible to recall", or "someone may remember", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "one could remember"?

It's appropriate in formal writing or when discussing a hypothetical situation where the subject is unspecified. However, avoid it in informal conversations where it may sound unnatural.

Is there a difference between "one could remember" and "someone might remember"?

While both express the possibility of remembering, "one could remember" is more formal and general, while "someone might remember" is slightly less formal and implies a specific person.