reminiscing about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reminiscing about" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when talking about something that happened in the past that people think fondly of and talk about often. For example: I spent the evening reminiscing about all the good times we had together.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Sports

Arts

Opinion

TV & Radio

Science

Books

Style

Business

Food

Travel

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She loved to laugh and enjoyed reminiscing about fun in the Poconos in the 1920's.

The New York Times

He also loves reminiscing about his childhood.

The New York Times - Arts

Preminger and Lloyd are reminiscing about Vienna.

The New Yorker

They started reminiscing about the game's unremitting difficulty.

The New York Times

General Bradley was reminiscing about the North African campaign.

The New Yorker

We start reminiscing about the good old bad old days.

The New York Times - Sports

They wandered over and began reminiscing about making the documentary.

The New Yorker

Marta and Jack then began reminiscing about Franken.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We've been reminiscing about our dive bar experiences.

The New York Times

The film had got them reminiscing about Lehman's collapse.

The New Yorker

The father begins by reminiscing about his Maryland childhood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reminiscing about" to convey a sense of nostalgia and fondness when reflecting on past events. This phrase is appropriate when you want to emphasize the positive or sentimental aspect of remembering.

Common error

Avoid using "reminiscing about" when you simply mean to remember something without the associated positive sentiment. Opt for "remembering" if the context is neutral or factual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reminiscing about" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to introduce the subject of fond or nostalgic memories. It often follows a verb indicating an action of remembering, such as 'started,' 'began,' or 'spent.' As seen in Ludwig's examples, it connects a person or group to specific past events or experiences they recall with pleasure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Music

7%

Sports

7%

Less common in

Arts

7%

Opinion

4%

TV & Radio

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reminiscing about" is a commonly used prepositional phrase to describe fondly remembering past events. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to evoke nostalgia and connect people through shared experiences. When using this phrase, make sure it aligns with the sentiment you wish to convey, and don't substitute it for simple "remembering" if a neutral tone is intended. Its frequent use by authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian reinforces its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Thinking back on

Focuses on the act of remembering or recalling past events, without necessarily implying fondness.

Reflecting on

Suggests a deeper consideration and analysis of past experiences.

Looking back at

Emphasizes a retrospective view of past experiences or situations.

Nostalgic for

Captures a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past.

Recalling memories of

Highlights the retrieval of specific memories from the past.

Revisiting the past

Focuses on returning to and exploring past experiences or events.

Remembering fondly

Specifically indicates a positive emotional connection to the past being recalled.

Dwelling on memories of

Implies spending considerable time thinking about past events, possibly with a sense of nostalgia.

Sharing stories of

Highlights the act of recounting past events to others, often in a conversational context.

Commemorating events of

Centers on formally remembering and honoring significant past occurrences.

FAQs

How can I use "reminiscing about" in a sentence?

You can use "reminiscing about" to describe fondly remembering past events. For example, "They spent the evening reminiscing about their college days."

What are some alternatives to "reminiscing about"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "thinking back on", "looking back at", or "recalling memories of".

Is it always necessary to use "about" after "reminiscing"?

Yes, the preposition "about" is typically required after "reminiscing" when you are specifying what you are remembering. You are "reminiscing about" something.

What's the difference between "reminiscing about" and simply "remembering"?

"Reminiscing about" implies a fond, often nostalgic, recollection of past events. "Remembering" is a more general term that simply means recalling something, without necessarily involving positive emotions.