recollect

USAGE SUMMARY

'recollect' is a correct word in written English.
It can be used to mean 'to remember or recall something'. An example sentence might be: I closed my eyes and tried to recollect the events of the previous evening.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When Watson asked if Sinodinos knew in his capacity as treasurer about the donations, he replied he "cannot recollect" being aware of it at the time.

The Guardian

When asked if he could deny Schott warned him about AWH's expenses, Sinodinos replied: "I can't recollect whether she said it or not".

The Guardian

It can be hard for anyone to recollect his motives at a distance; memory often sanitises and ennobles, even in much more trivial cases than the launching of a devastating war.

The Economist

Few now recollect Eden's general-election win or Callaghan's proto-modernising; some leaders, such as Alec Douglas-Home, are barely remembered at all.

The Economist

While Mr Byers had personal traits that exacerbated his difficulties, in particular a tendency to recollect conversations rather differently from others that had been party to them, he was New Labour made flesh.More than anything, Mr Byers was brought down by spin.

The Economist

Both books are occasionally sentimental, but so are most mourners when they recollect their loved ones.

The Economist

His buyers wanted to recollect the city's beauty, not the life of its people.

The Economist

Germany's reinstated capital is rebuilding itself so fast that Berliners themselves cannot always recollect just where the awful thing ran.

The Economist

Emily Dickinson used the masculine rhyme to great effect in the last stanza of "After great pain, a formal feeling comes—": This is the Hour of Lead— Remembered, if outlived, As Freezing persons, recollect the Snow— First Chill then Stupor then the letting go—.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Greek philosophers Pythagoras and Empedocles, of the 6th and early 5th centuries bc, whose lives probably overlapped that of the Buddha, likewise claimed to recollect some of their previous lives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Studies conducted separately by American psychologists Marcia K. Johnson and Larry L. Jacoby demonstrated that, whereas older adults are able to remember the gist of an action or event just as well as younger adults, they are unable to recollect the specific details that were involved.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recollect" when you want to emphasize the effort or process of bringing a memory back to your mind, rather than simply stating that you remember something. It often implies a more thoughtful retrieval.

Common error

Avoid using "recollect" when you mean "collect". "Recollect" refers to remembering, while "collect" means to gather or accumulate. The similarity in spelling can lead to errors, so always double-check the context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "recollect" is a transitive verb. It requires an object, indicating what is being remembered. Ludwig AI and the provided examples confirm that it is used to describe the act of bringing a past event, detail, or experience back into one's conscious awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recollect" is a transitive verb signifying the act of remembering, often implying effort or deliberation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's a versatile term, as showcased by Ludwig's examples, with a slight inclination towards formal contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using "recollect", ensure it is not confused with "collect", and consider "recall" or "remember" as more general synonyms. Remembering these nuances ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recall

A direct synonym, implying the bringing back of a memory into one's mind.

remember

A general term for having an awareness of something from the past.

call to mind

Emphasizes the effort of actively summoning a memory.

bring to mind

Similar to 'call to mind' but suggests the memory arises more spontaneously.

think back

Focuses on the act of reflecting on a past event or experience.

look back on

Implies a more contemplative reflection on past events.

reminisce

Suggests a pleasant recollection of past experiences.

bethink oneself

An archaic and somewhat formal way of saying to remember.

retain in memory

Highlights the preservation of information over time.

recover from memory

Implies retrieving something that was difficult to access.

FAQs

How can I use "recollect" in a sentence?

You can use "recollect" to express the act of remembering something, especially with effort. For example, "I tried to recollect the details of the meeting" or "He couldn't recollect where he had parked the car".

What's the difference between "recollect" and "remember"?

"Recollect" often implies a more deliberate and effortful act of bringing something back to mind, whereas "remember" is a more general term for having a memory of something.

Which is correct, "recollect that" or "recollect about"?

While both constructions can be found, it is generally more standard to use "recollect that" when introducing a clause. For example, "I recollect that he mentioned something about it". "Recollect about" is less common and may sound awkward to some.

What can I say instead of "I can't recollect"?

You can use alternatives such as "I don't "remember"", "I can't "recall"", or "I don't "recall"" depending on the context.