prodigious memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prodigious memory" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a remarkable or extraordinary ability to remember things. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as discussing someone's intelligence or talents, or in a statement of amazement. Example: - Her prodigious memory earned her the top spot in the national memory competition. - Despite his advanced age, he still possesses a prodigious memory and can recall events from his childhood with great detail. - The scientist was well-known for his prodigious memory, often memorizing complex equations and formulas without the need for reference materials. - The prodigious memory of the detective was crucial in solving the difficult case. - I was amazed by her prodigious memory as she recited the entire poem from memory without missing a word.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We will miss his prodigious memory.

The New York Times

They also rely on Duguid's prodigious memory.

The New Yorker

And what a prodigious memory he has of it.

The Guardian - Books

Hansen was particularly impressed with Carlsen's prodigious memory for board positions and moves.

The New Yorker

Customer is forced to make halfhearted joke about server's apparently prodigious memory.

The New Yorker

He was widely respected for his learning, prodigious memory and use of language.

The New York Times

He had a prodigious memory for poetry and often quoted favourite pieces.

The Guardian

She has a prodigious memory, a bottomless capacity for hard work and a quarter-century of experience of national politics.

The Economist

He had an unending appetite for pop culture, a prodigious memory for dates, and a compulsion for cross-referencing them.

The New Yorker

His home-made wine was notoriously potent, but its consumption seemed to have no effect on his prodigious memory.

The Guardian

Her symphonic landscapes are inflected with myriad accents, cultures, personal narratives — all stored away in a prodigious memory.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's exceptional memory, use "prodigious memory" to emphasize not just the capacity but also the impressive nature of their recall ability.

Common error

While "prodigious memory" is correct, avoid using it in very casual conversations. Simpler terms like "great memory" or "amazing memory" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prodigious memory" functions as a noun phrase, where "prodigious" modifies the noun "memory". It describes a particular quality or characteristic of someone's memory. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prodigious memory" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes an exceptional ability to remember information. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness. It's most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like ""remarkable memory"" and ""exceptional memory"" exist, "prodigious memory" specifically emphasizes the impressive nature of the memory. When employing this phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations where the memory is truly outstanding and noteworthy. Be mindful of register, opting for simpler terms in casual settings. The frequency and authoritative sources indicate that the phrase is well-established and appropriate for various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Exceptional memory

Replaces "prodigious" with "exceptional", indicating a high degree of memory ability but with less emphasis on impressiveness.

Remarkable memory

Uses "remarkable" instead of "prodigious", suggesting the memory is worthy of attention due to its uncommon qualities.

Extraordinary memory

Substitutes "prodigious" with "extraordinary", implying the memory goes beyond the ordinary or expected.

Impressive memory

Focuses on the admiration the memory inspires, replacing "prodigious" with "impressive".

Uncommon memory

Highlights the rarity of the memory ability, using "uncommon" in place of "prodigious".

Formidable memory

Indicates the memory is powerful and perhaps intimidating, replacing "prodigious" with "formidable".

Vast memory

Emphasizes the breadth and scope of the memory, substituting "prodigious" with "vast".

Extensive memory

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the memory, using "extensive" instead of "prodigious".

Sharp memory

Replaces "prodigious" with "sharp", focusing on the clarity and precision of the memory.

Retentive memory

Highlights the ability to retain information effectively, replacing "prodigious" with "retentive".

FAQs

How can I use "prodigious memory" in a sentence?

You can use "prodigious memory" to describe someone's remarkable ability to remember things, such as "She was known for her "prodigious memory" for historical dates and events".

What are some alternatives to "prodigious memory"?

Alternatives include "exceptional memory", "remarkable memory", or "extraordinary memory", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it more correct to say "prodigious memory" or "great memory"?

"Prodigious memory" implies an exceptional and impressive ability to recall information, while "great memory" is a more general term for a good memory. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "prodigious memory" and "photographic memory"?

"Prodigious memory" refers to a generally outstanding memory ability. "Photographic memory" (also known as eidetic memory) refers to the ability to recall images with near-perfect accuracy, which is more specific and less common.