recalls

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'recalls' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone remembering something or someone remembering a past event. Example sentence: She recalled how her mother would make her favourite dish every Sunday.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The report recalls the "indescribable horror" the charity faced when Ebola first struck last March.

The Guardian

Žantovský recalls the practical headaches of deciding who got what, just like the average divorce but rather more complicated.

The Guardian

She recalls asking the question, "among the brick chimneys: 'When will I see my parents?'", and the hollow mirth that greeted it among those in her berth.

The Guardian - Music

Here, his genius is exploited for a nauseating propaganda purpose – "but he could not do otherwise," recalls Anka.

The Guardian - Music

Tom Corfield, a Bristol engineering graduate, recalls: "My lectures were often a bit dry and I have lots of broader interests, so I started going to my friends' lectures in different subject areas.

The Guardian

The book recalls: "The government had been saved at the 59th minute of the 11th hour from a grossly embarrassing situation".

The Guardian

Illsley recalls: "I remember calls in the dead of night from some pickets saying: 'We've got here but there's nought but broken windows.'" David (now Lord Huntthoughthishis appointment as coal minister was a prank.

The Guardian

His fellow high court judge and friend, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, now chief justice of Nauru, recalls his approachability and ease off the bench.

The Guardian

Mike Powell, a volunteer with the Isle of Wight Youth Trust which organises the lost property for Bestival, recalls a young man who arrived at the welfare tent one year: "He was covered in mud from head to foot and he'd lost his keys, phone, wallet, everything.

The Guardian - Music

When she recalls her eldest sibling's engagement, she says, matter-of-factly: "We were worried because that was when they started burning down a lot of churches".

The Guardian

The East End shoot-out at the end of The Man Who Knew Too Much inevitably recalls the Sidney Street siege, and memories of murderous continental anarchists; here Lorre was an émigré actor touching on the nation's darkest fantasies of an immigrant intrusion.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recalls" to introduce a direct quote or a specific memory being shared. This can add authenticity and detail to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "recalls" in contexts where the past tense is required but not explicitly indicated. For example, instead of saying "He recalls yesterday", say "He recalled yesterday" or "He recalls what happened yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "recalls" is that of a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe the action of remembering or bringing something back to mind. The examples provided by Ludwig show it in use describing personal memories and historical events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Music

8%

Lifestyle

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recalls" is a versatile verb frequently used to describe the act of remembering or bringing something to mind. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, music, and lifestyle content. While synonyms like "remembers" and "recollects" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and nuance. To use "recalls" effectively, ensure clear context and correct tense usage. Understanding these aspects, coupled with the provided examples, enables confident and accurate application of the word in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remembers

Simple substitution with a direct synonym focusing on the act of remembering.

recollects

A more formal synonym of "recalls", indicating a deliberate act of remembering.

reminds one of

Shifts the focus to the effect of something bringing a memory to mind.

mentions

Focuses on the act of bringing something to attention, often from memory.

cites

Suggests a formal reference to something, often in writing or speech.

evokes

Implies that something brings a feeling or memory to mind.

harks back to

Indicates a connection to a past time or event.

calls to mind

A more descriptive phrase for something causing a memory.

brings to mind

Similar to "calls to mind", emphasizing the mental retrieval of information.

reminisces about

Highlights the act of fondly remembering and talking about past experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "recalls" in a sentence?

You can use "recalls" to describe someone remembering a past event or detail. For example, "She "recalls" her first day at school vividly".

What's a synonym for "recalls"?

Synonyms for "recalls" include "remembers", "recollects", and "mentions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "recalls" formal or informal?

"Recalls" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, "recollects" is more formal.

What is the difference between "recalls" and "reminds"?

"Recalls" means to remember something oneself, while "reminds" means something causes someone else to remember. For example, "She "recalls" the event", versus "The photo "reminds" her of the event".