recollect something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recollect something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of remembering or recalling a specific piece of information or memory. Example: "As I sat in the old café, I tried to recollect something from my childhood that would bring back fond memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He furrowed his brow, trying to recollect something that had clearly not been the result of a deliberate plan.

The New Yorker

I recollect something that the broadcaster and sound recordist Ludwig Koch said to introduce one of programmes for BBC radio in the 1950s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

What talent he has, that boy!" She sighs with admiration, but the next moment she has recollected something and is looking suspiciously at Biju and me.

The New Yorker

She says, as she put her hand on his head she recollects that something suddenly brushed past her and rubbing off her Shawl.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not uncommon in O'Hara for people to be in love without being lovers, and a number of his better stories present love recollected in something like tranquillity, which makes it seem even more fleeting and precious.

The New Yorker

Instead the sequence has the sense of something recollected with affectionate irony.

The New York Times

Recollect things when you did something new or achieved for the first time.

WikiHow

But occasionally it happens that (while thus doubting) we get a sudden idea and recollect that we heard or saw something formerly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They can infer that they have been doing something, been somewhere, even though they cannot recollect what or where.

The New Yorker

"The work of the firemen was something New Yorkers will be proud to recollect for years," it said, and The Mail and Express Illustrated Saturday Magazine published a two-page spread showing firemen, their horses and their mascots, including Jennie, a monkey kept by Hook and Ladder No. 20.

The New York Times

"It is not possible to ascertain whether he is not telling the truth or is simply unable to recollect the true position, and has convinced himself that this arrangement is something that he would not have entered into.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recollect something" when you want to emphasize a conscious effort to remember or recall something specific, especially from the past. It is suitable for formal writing or when you want to add a touch of sophistication to your language.

Common error

Avoid using "recollect something" in everyday conversation where simpler alternatives like "remember" or "recall" would sound more natural. Overusing formal language can make your speech sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recollect something" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "recollect" is the transitive verb requiring an object ("something"). Based on the Ludwig AI feedback, it indicates remembering or recalling information, often implying a degree of effort.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recollect something" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that denotes the act of remembering or recalling a specific piece of information. Although Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as correct, its usage is relatively uncommon, with higher occurrence in News & Media sources, as supported by Ludwig's examples. When seeking synonyms, "remember something" and "recall something" offer very similar meaning in simpler words. It's best suited for formal writing or when a more deliberate tone is desired, while avoiding overuse in casual settings to maintain naturalness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Remember something

This alternative is a more common and straightforward way to express the act of recalling something.

Recall something

This alternative is a slightly more formal synonym for remembering something.

Bring something to mind

This alternative focuses on the spontaneous emergence of a thought or memory.

Call something to mind

Similar to 'bring something to mind', this emphasizes the effort of recalling.

Think back on something

This alternative highlights the reflective aspect of remembering past events.

Recreate a memory

This option is more about re-experiencing a past event in one's mind, not only recall it

Conjure up something

This alternative implies bringing something to mind with effort, as if by magic.

Retrieve information

This alternative is commonly used in technical contexts to describe recalling data.

Revisit a memory

This option focus on the process of reflecting on and thinking again about a past experience

Look back on something

This alternative describes a reflective form of remembering or reflecting on something from the past.

FAQs

What does "recollect something" mean?

"Recollect something" means to remember or recall something, often with a degree of effort or conscious thought. It implies bringing a memory or piece of information back into your mind.

When is it appropriate to use "recollect something" in writing?

It is best to use "recollect something" in formal writing or when you wish to convey a sense of deliberate recall. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "remember" or "recall something" may be more appropriate.

What are some synonyms for "recollect something"?

Synonyms for "recollect something" include "remember something", "recall something", bring something to mind, and call something to mind. The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "recollect something" more formal than "remember something"?

Yes, "recollect something" is generally considered more formal than "remember something". "Recollect" suggests a more deliberate and conscious effort to bring something to mind, while "remember" is a more general term for recalling information.