refresh memory

USAGE SUMMARY

"refresh memory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to remind someone of something or to encourage them to recall a particular moment, memory, or experience. For example, "Let's take a minute to refresh our memory on the rules of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But years of economic turmoil for the retail industry have helped refresh memories.

The New York Times

Give the Dodgers a moment for it to soak in, to refresh memories.

Los Angeles Times

Just to refresh memories, to redefine the problem, the Orioles began just as they ended last season.

Los Angeles Times

Just to refresh memories, on January 7 , 2015 two masked gunmen forced their way into the offices of Charlie Hebdo, a French satirical periodical in Paris.

Huffington Post

Just refresh my memory.

The Guardian - Sport

Refresh my memory.

The Guardian

Let me refresh your memory.

The New Yorker

(If not, refresh your memory).

The New Yorker

THARP -- Refresh my memory, Harvey.

The New York Times - Arts

"Perhaps this will refresh your memory".

The New Yorker

Actually, Mr. Boehner needs to refresh his memory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for international audience and low proficiency readers, consider synonyms.

Common error

Avoid using "refresh memory" interchangeably with terms like "reminisce" or "memorize". "Refresh memory" implies a gentle reminder, whereas "reminisce" involves a more prolonged, often nostalgic, reflection on the past and "memorize" means you are storing something into your memory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refresh memory" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of reminding someone of something or reactivating a particular memory. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refresh memory" is a versatile phrase used to prompt recollection or remind someone of specific details. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. While lacking diverse examples in the provided data, its meaning is clear and consistently applied. Consider using synonyms like "jog someone's memory" or "prompt recollection" depending on the context and desired level of formality. Be mindful not to confuse it with terms like "reminisce" or "memorize", which have distinct meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

help recall

A simpler, more direct way of saying "refresh memory".

jog someone's memory

Replaces "refresh" with "jog", implying a more active prompting of recall.

prompt recollection

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a similar meaning.

stimulate recall

Similar to "prompt recollection", but emphasizes the stimulation aspect.

aid remembrance

Focuses on the assistance provided in remembering something.

rekindle memories

Suggests bringing back memories that are fading or dormant.

brush up on

Implies a review of previously learned material to refresh knowledge.

revisit the details

Focuses on reviewing specific information to aid memory.

call something to mind

Highlights the act of bringing something back into conscious thought.

reacquaint oneself with

Implies a renewed familiarization with something previously known.

FAQs

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

You can use "refresh memory" to indicate the act of reminding someone of something. For example, "Let me refresh your memory about the key points of our discussion".

What's a more formal alternative to "refresh memory"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "prompt recollection" or "stimulate recall".

Is it correct to say "refresh my memory" or "refresh my memories"?

The correct phrase is "refresh my memory", as "memory" refers to the general ability to recall information, not individual memories. However, you can say "rekindle memories" which is semantically similar to "refresh memory".

What can I say instead of "refresh memory" when reviewing a topic?

If you're reviewing a topic, you could say "brush up on" the subject or "revisit the details".