shake the memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shake the memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of trying to recall or stimulate a memory, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "To help him remember the details of that day, she tried to shake the memory loose by asking him questions about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He was unable to shake the memory.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hoffman said he could not shake the memory of the fire.

The New York Times

He cannot shake the memory of the 50 freestyle at the trials.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Ma saved several children the day of the disaster but cannot shake the memory of one girl.

The New York Times

I can't shake the memory of Dudley Moore — years ago in the comedy review "Beyond the Fringe" — doing his manic parody of lieder, "Die Flabbergast".

The New Yorker

I doubt that I would know, either, if I hadn't visited Jeju Island nine years ago, and been unable to shake the memory of its beauty, and traditions that may be remnants of an ancient culture of balance.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But one suspects it won't be quite that easy for Scott to shake the memories of that putt and those last four holes.

The New York Times - Sports

In the worst of cases, maybe you've experienced trauma yourself and you can't seem to shake the memories.

Huffington Post

James shook the memory loose.

The New Yorker

My parents, kin to many who came of age in war and its aftermath, haven't shaken the memory of want.

The New York Times - Magazine

I made the round of its splendors 25 years ago, and have never quite shaken the memory of a Burmese student who took us quietly aside to plead for attention to the country's miserable isolation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shake the memory", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether the attempt to forget the memory is successful or ongoing. For instance, specify if someone "couldn't shake the memory" or "finally shook the memory".

Common error

Avoid using "shake the memory" passively. The phrase implies an active effort to dislodge a memory, so ensure the sentence structure reflects this active attempt, rather than a mere statement of forgetting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shake the memory" functions as a metaphorical expression describing the action of attempting to dislodge or forget a particular memory. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in contexts where individuals struggle to escape the hold of past events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shake the memory" is a correct and usable expression in English, typically found in news and media contexts. Ludwig confirms its validity, highlighting examples where individuals attempt to forget or dislodge unwanted memories. While semantically related phrases like "dispel the memory" or "banish the memory" offer alternative ways to express this concept, "shake the memory" specifically underscores the effort and struggle involved in the process. Ensure active voice construction when employing this phrase, and bear in mind it aims to forget a memory not recall it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forget the memory

A more straightforward way of saying to cease remembering something.

put the memory behind you

Emphasizes moving forward and leaving the memory in the past.

move on from the memory

Similar to "put the memory behind you", but with a stronger sense of progression and healing.

dispel the memory

Focuses on actively driving the memory away, suggesting a more forceful removal.

get over the memory

Focuses on the emotional aspect of dealing with a difficult memory and recovering from it.

banish the memory

Implies a permanent and decisive removal of the memory, often from consciousness.

free oneself from the memory

Highlights the act of liberating oneself from the burden or influence of a particular memory.

release the memory

Suggests a letting go or surrendering of the memory, often to achieve peace or closure.

erase the memory

Suggests a complete and irreversible removal of the memory, as if deleting it.

detach from the memory

Implies creating emotional distance from the memory to reduce its impact.

FAQs

How can I use "shake the memory" in a sentence?

You can use "shake the memory" to describe an attempt to forget or move on from a past event, such as "He tried to "shake the memory" of the accident, but it haunted him daily".

What does it mean to "shake the memory"?

To "shake the memory" means to attempt to dislodge or forget a particular memory, often one that is unpleasant or traumatic. It implies an active effort to remove the memory from one's mind.

Which is correct, "shake the memory" or "stir the memory"?

"Shake the memory" refers to an attempt to forget something, while "stir the memory" refers to an attempt to recall something. They have opposite meanings.

What can I say instead of "shake the memory"?

Alternatives to "shake the memory" include "dispel the memory", "banish the memory", or "erase the memory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.