recollection

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'recollection' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is remembered from the past. For example, "I have a fond recollection of my grandmother's homemade cookies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brook acknowledged the accident but said his recollection was "razor sharp".

The Guardian

The phone was never examined by the Metropolitan police investigating the murder of Kassahun, nor by Hallam's own defence team, nor raised as an issue by him – which Lady Justice Hallett blamed on his own "faulty recollection and dysfunctional lifestyle".

The Guardian

"It was horrible, to be ripped from your mother, but I have no recollection of that.

The Guardian

"I don't have a clear recollection," the senator said.

The Guardian

Sinodinos said he did not have that recollection of the meeting with her.

The Guardian

She blamed his failure to alert them on his "faulty recollection and a dysfunctional lifestyle, not a deliberate lie".

The Guardian

Murray's first recollection was of reading in a newspaper about the Spanish civil war.

The Guardian

Obeid's barrister Stuart Littlemore tried to get Keneally to concede her recollection of her phone call with Obeid could be inaccurate.

The Guardian

David Henry, then head of investor relations, was "stunned" at the family's concern about climate change, according to Goodwin's recollection of events.

The Guardian

It is, of course, impossible to consider him as a man or a manager without remembering the Munich air crash of 1958, which killed half of a superb young team and left Busby with a damaged lung and a misty recollection of a struggle for his own life.

The Guardian - Sport

"Vince and Rachel have no recollection of the issue of points being raised with them over the course of dinner with Vicky Pryce on 28 January 2011.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recollection" when you want to emphasize the act of bringing something back to mind, often after some effort or lapse in time.

Common error

Avoid using "collection" when you mean "recollection". "Collection" refers to a group of items, while "recollection" refers to the act of remembering something.

Linguistic Context

Recollection functions primarily as a noun, denoting the act of remembering or something remembered. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to describe something that is remembered from the past. It can also refer to the power of recalling ideas to mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recollection" is a versatile noun that refers to the act of remembering or something remembered. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its widespread applicability. While alternatives like "memory", "remembrance", and "recall" exist, "recollection" specifically emphasizes the process of bringing something back to mind. To avoid confusion, remember that "recollection" relates to remembering, while "collection" refers to a group of items.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recall

Highlights the act of bringing something back to mind.

memory

Refers more broadly to the faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information.

remembrance

Emphasizes the act of keeping someone or something in one's thoughts, often with affection.

reminiscence

Suggests a more nostalgic or reflective form of remembering.

anamnesis

A more formal or philosophical term for the recovery of knowledge.

impression

Refers to a lasting effect or feeling left in the mind.

past experience

Highlights the events and feelings encountered in one's life.

mental image

Focuses on the visual aspect of memory.

autobiographical account

Implies a written or spoken record of one's past experiences.

personal history

Encompasses a broader scope of past events that shape an individual.

FAQs

How can I use "recollection" in a sentence?

You can use "recollection" to describe the act of remembering or something that is remembered. For example, "My earliest "recollection" is of my childhood home".

What's the difference between "recollection" and "memory"?

"Recollection" refers specifically to the act of recalling something, while "memory" is the broader faculty of the mind that stores information.

What can I say instead of "recollection"?

You can use alternatives like "remembrance", "recall", or "reminiscence" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "recollection" in formal writing?

Yes, "recollection" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a standard English word with a clear and precise meaning.