shaping memories

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shaping memories" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the process of influencing or creating memories, often in relation to experiences or storytelling. Example: "The photographs from our trip to the mountains are shaping memories that will last a lifetime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And memorials are one means of shaping memories, of determining whether they live or die.

The New York Times - Arts

The boys lived in that first apartment until 1984, when, just as they were shaping memories out of the clay of their lives, as they began to recognize themselves as Allmon and Mickey, they moved.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And they fused Jewish lore with my father's particular way of shaping memory and desire.

The New Yorker

Herein, fundamental aspects of shape memory polymers and composites are discussed; furthermore, recent adaptations of shape memory composites to shape memory braided composites are explored.

Handbook of Advances in Braided Composite Materials Theory, Production, Testing and Applications

Stress is built up in a shape memory alloy if the strain recovery due to shape memory effect is blocked.

Acta Materialia

The use of smart materials, more specifically shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers, has been extensively documented.

CIRP Annals

In recent years we have seen significant progress from shape memory alloys (SMAs) to shape memory polymers (SMPs).

Materials Today

The shape change is effected by shape memory alloy face sheet elements, which exploit a "one-way" shape memory effect only.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

The "muscles" are wire springs made from shape-memory alloy.

The New York Times - Science

Some other industry executives say they, too, see interest picking up in nitinol shape-memory devices.

The New York Times

The shape-memory effect was first noted in 1932 in Sweden in a gold-cadmium alloy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shaping memories" when you want to emphasize the active role that experiences, narratives, or memorials play in influencing how memories are formed and remembered. It is useful in contexts where the process of creating memories is as important as the memories themselves.

Common error

Avoid using "shaping memories" in very casual or informal conversations. It can sound overly formal or academic in settings where simpler phrases like "making memories" or "creating good times" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"Shaping memories" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. It describes the act of influencing or forming memories, highlighting the active role of external factors or personal experiences in the memory-making process. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in discussing how memorials and experiences impact memory construction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shaping memories" is a grammatically sound gerund phrase that highlights the active role of external forces in influencing memory formation. While deemed correct by Ludwig AI, it's a relatively rare expression primarily found in news, media, and scientific contexts. It emphasizes the process of influence, differentiating it from simpler alternatives like "creating memories". When using this phrase, remember that it is best suited for formal analytical contexts, and you should avoid overusing it in informal settings. The goal of using it is to provide a clear, detailed description of the effect that certain experiences can have on how memories come to be.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating memories

Focuses on the act of making memories, rather than influencing their form.

forming memories

Similar to creating, but emphasizes the initial development of memories.

molding memories

Suggests a more active and deliberate influence on the nature of memories.

influencing memories

Directly addresses the act of affecting how memories are remembered or understood.

constructing memories

Implies a more complex and deliberate process of memory formation.

cultivating memories

Emphasizes the nurturing and development of specific memories over time.

defining memories

Highlights the role of certain events in establishing significant memories.

etching memories

Emphasizes the lasting and impactful nature of certain memories.

leaving lasting impressions

Focuses on creating memories that endure and have a significant impact.

building a legacy of memories

Suggests creating a collection of memories that will be remembered for a long time.

FAQs

How can I use "shaping memories" in a sentence?

You can use "shaping memories" to describe the process by which experiences, stories, or memorials influence how memories are formed and retained. For example, "Visiting historical sites is crucial for shaping memories of our nation's past."

What can I say instead of "shaping memories"?

Alternatives include "creating memories", "forming memories", or "influencing memories", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "shaping memories" or "making memories"?

"Shaping memories" implies an active influence on the form and content of memories, while "making memories" simply refers to the act of creating them. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the process of influence or just the act of creation.

In what contexts is "shaping memories" most appropriate?

"Shaping memories" is well-suited for discussions about the impact of cultural artifacts, historical narratives, or personal experiences on memory formation. It's often used in academic, journalistic, or reflective writing.