recall something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recall something" is correct in written English.
You could use this phrase when you want to refer to someone remembering a particular thing. For example, "Please recall something interesting you learned in your English class today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I can't recall something like this".

The New York Times

But without language, animals have not been able to tell a researcher whether they recall something.

The New York Times - Science

I can remember saying I need to be hypnotised in order to recall something.

Independent

He may have said, as I recall, something that that kind of speculation was not warranted".

The New York Times

Metal sculptures of the female form recall something of the medieval chastity belt.

The New York Times

A recruiter won't recall something obscure and their email drop-down won't find it easily.

The Guardian

Later I also recall something Bragg said to Leon about me just before we went on.

The Guardian - Music

You may recall something similar happened at Arthur Andersen when it was auditing Enron.

The New York Times

And when they couldn't recall something, they often sent me on to somebody else who did.

The New York Times

I recall something that George Axelrod, the dramatist and screenwriter, once said to me about him: "Socially, he doesn't exist.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Prosecutors had argued that she did recall -- something that the judge was concerned they would not be able to prove.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context; "remember" might be more appropriate in informal settings, while "recall" can add a touch of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "recall something" interchangeably with "remember something" in every context. While similar, "recall" often implies a more deliberate and focused effort to bring something to mind than "remember".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recall something" functions as a verb phrase, where "recall" is the transitive verb indicating the act of remembering, and "something" serves as the direct object. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recall something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the act of remembering a specific detail or piece of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appears across various reputable sources, most prominently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While interchangeable with "remember something" in some instances, "recall" often implies a more deliberate and focused effort. When writing, consider using "recall something" to emphasize a conscious effort to retrieve a specific memory or add a touch of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remember something

Replaces "recall" with "remember", a more common synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

recollect something

Substitutes "recall" with "recollect", another synonym with a slightly more formal tone.

bring something to mind

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey the idea of something being remembered.

call something to mind

Similar to "bring something to mind", but uses "call" instead, offering a slight variation in phrasing.

think back to something

Focuses on the act of thinking about something from the past, implying recall.

retrieve something from memory

Emphasizes the mental process of retrieving information from one's memory.

conjure up something

Suggests a more vivid or imaginative form of remembering.

evoke something

Implies that something is brought to mind by an external stimulus or trigger.

flash back to something

Indicates a sudden, often involuntary, memory of something.

summon up something

Suggests a deliberate effort to remember or bring something to mind.

FAQs

What does "recall something" mean?

"Recall something" means to remember a specific detail, fact, or event, often implying a conscious effort to bring it back to your mind.

How can I use "recall something" in a sentence?

You can use "recall something" in sentences like: "I can't "recall everything" about that day" or "Do you "recall anything" unusual happening last night?"

What are some alternatives to "recall something"?

Alternatives include "remember something", "bring something to mind", or "recollect something", depending on the desired nuance.

Is there a difference between "recall something" and "remember something"?

While similar, "recall something" often suggests a more focused and intentional effort to retrieve a specific memory compared to the more general term "remember something".