recent memory

USAGE SUMMARY

"recent memory" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to something that happened recently or something that one remembers happening recently. For example, "My trip to Europe last summer is a recent memory I will always cherish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The war was of recent memory.

The New Yorker

Or any other year in recent memory.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Initial symptoms include decreased recent memory and anomia.

Nature

The joint committee sat longer than any in recent memory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Within recent memory, reviewing was something professionals did.

The New York Times - Tech

It'll be the best passing tandem in recent memory.

The Washington Post

P = 0.043 for the comparison of contextual recent memory.

Nature

Has anyone in recent memory drawn such feats as that?

The Washington Post

We tried an unserious leader once before in recent memory.

The Guardian - Opinion

That hasn't happened at any other time in recent memory.

The Washington Post

This, therefore, could be the shortest retirement in recent memory.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recent memory", consider whether you need to specify a timeframe (e.g., "in recent memory, since 2020") to provide clearer context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "recent memory" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "in recent times" or "lately" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recent memory" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to indicate a timeframe that is not long past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recent memory" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to denote a timeframe that is not long past. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is versatile, appearing most frequently in News & Media. While suitable for general use, you might need to consider alternatives like "recent recollection", "current memory" or "previous memory", especially in formal contexts. Avoid overuse and always ensure clarity by specifying the timeframe when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recent recollection

Focuses on the act of remembering rather than the period itself.

current memory

Emphasizes the present-day aspect of the memory.

previous memory

Highlights that the memory occurred before the present moment.

modern memory

Refers to memories from the more recent era.

contemporary memory

Indicates memories from the same time period as the present.

new memory

Emphasizes the freshness and recency of the memory.

few memory

It focuses on the scarcity of the recollection, not the temporal aspect.

final memory

This focuses on the last memory you have, not necessarily a recent one.

recent story

Refers to a narrative or account from a short time ago, differing from a memory.

recent knowledge

Implies awareness or information acquired recently, not necessarily a personal recollection.

FAQs

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

You can use "recent memory" to refer to events or periods that are easily recalled, as in "The economic downturn is still fresh in our "recent memory"".

What's a good alternative to "recent memory"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "recent recollection", "current memory", or "previous memory".

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "recent memory" in formal writing?

While "recent memory" is generally acceptable, in more formal contexts, consider using more precise language that specifies the time period you are referring to for enhanced clarity.

What are common misconceptions about using the phrase "recent memory"?

A common misconception is that "recent memory" always refers to the very immediate past. While it does imply a relatively short timeframe, it can also extend to a few years, depending on the context.