scraps of memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scraps of memory" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to small fragments or pieces of memories that may not be complete or fully formed. Example: As I looked through my old photo album, I found scraps of memory scattered throughout the pages. Each image triggered a small snippet of a past event, but I couldn't piece together the full story.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In place of those manuscripts, I have unreliable scraps of memory.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's also when most dreaming occurs, as the brain sorts through new information and connects it to older scraps of memory.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She's talking about the possibility of their being happy together again, but her speech keeps wandering into near-nonsense and disconnected scraps of memory.

The New York Times

It was, he told a British journalist, an attempt to "get all the scraps of memory together before it was all forgotten".

Independent

How was I to work, to paint, to live? "I tried clinging to scraps of memory, but they were never enough.

The New York Times - Books

And Paris features as a character in her own right, refusing to surrender the secrets of her past.As in Proust's work, Mr Modiano's narrators recover scraps of memory by chance, yet still question whether the past can be recaptured.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

By 1924, Teffi writes, "All that remained was odds and ends, torn scraps of memories, bits of trimming sewn onto the cuffs, collars, and hems of ordinary woolen coats".

The New Yorker

By 1924, Teffi writes, "All that remained was odds and ends, torn scraps of memories, bits of trimming sewn onto the cuffs, collars, and hems of ordinary woolen coats". Teffi, on the other hand, lived until 1952, writing to the end, her memories intact.

The New Yorker

But Farhadi's camera (wielded by cinematographer José Luis Alcaine, a longtime collaborator of Pedro Almodóvar) also draws us outside into the village itself, where a rickety church belltower conceals a poignant scrap of memory, and where dusty roads stretch for miles.

Los Angeles Times

The scrap heap of memory provided an alternative.

The New York Times

There are scraps of war memories, like bullets whistling past him, inches away from his head.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scraps of memory" to convey the idea that recollections are incomplete, fragmented, or unreliable. This is particularly effective in contexts where characters are reminiscing, dealing with memory loss, or trying to piece together a past event.

Common error

Avoid using "scraps of memory" when the memories are actually vivid and complete. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the recollections are partial or unclear. Instead, consider using phrases like "treasured memories" or "vivid recollections" to indicate clarity and completeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scraps of memory" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the state of recollections being fragmented or incomplete. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scraps of memory" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe fragmented or incomplete recollections. As affirmed by Ludwig, its purpose is to convey a sense of partial memories, often employed in neutral registers across diverse contexts like news, academia, and general media. While alternatives such as "fragments of recollection" and "fleeting memories" exist, understanding the specific nuance you wish to convey is important. Remember that it's most effective when depicting recollections that are truly partial or unclear, rather than vivid or complete memories.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragments of recollection

Focuses on the fragmented nature of remembering, similar to "scraps of memory".

fleeting memories

Emphasizes the transient and brief nature of the memories.

vague recollections

Highlights the lack of clarity in the remembered details.

patchwork of memories

Suggests a collection of disparate memories joined together.

isolated memories

Indicates that the memories are disconnected from a larger narrative.

broken memories

Implies that the memories are damaged or incomplete.

disjointed recollections

Stresses the lack of coherence between the remembered elements.

faded memories

Highlights the weakening or loss of clarity over time.

lingering memories

Emphasizes the persistence of certain memories despite their fragmented state.

trace memories

Highlights the faint or barely perceptible nature of the recollections.

FAQs

How can I use "scraps of memory" in a sentence?

You can use "scraps of memory" to describe fragmented or incomplete recollections, such as: "As I sifted through old photographs, only "scraps of memory" resurfaced, leaving the full picture elusive."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "scraps of memory"?

Alternatives include "fragments of recollection", "fleeting memories", or "vague recollections". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "scraps of memories" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrase is "scraps of memory". "Memory" should be singular when referring to fragmented pieces of a larger, collective memory. Using "memories" in plural would imply distinct, separate memories rather than fragments.

In what contexts is "scraps of memory" most appropriate?

"Scraps of memory" is often used in literature, personal narratives, and discussions about aging or memory loss. It's suitable for contexts where you want to emphasize the incomplete or unreliable nature of recollections.