sharp memory

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharp memory" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it to express that someone has an exceptional ability to remember things. For example, "She was known for her sharp memory - she could recite whole pages from her favorite books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Despite the fatigue, at the Giant he displayed a sharp memory for prices.

The Washington Post

He is a Chinese Putin: sharp memory, agile loyalties, openly secretive.

The New York Times

He possesses a sharp memory for games and players and a facility for numbers.

The New York Times - Sports

Worrilow, who has modestly attested to having a sharp memory, earned the coaches' label "one-timer".

The New York Times - Sports

He says she was the "sweetest grandmother", with a sharp memory until towards the end and a fondness for lollipops and ice cream.

The Guardian

It's pretty extraordinary for people in their 80s and 90s to keep the same sharp memory as someone several decades younger, so scientists are peeking into the brains of"superagers" who do to uncover their secret.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The canvassing board members also have sharp memories of those days.

The New York Times

Dancers with sharp memories who know and love them came to New Orleans.

The New York Times - Arts

But residents here have a surprising level of digital savvy and sharp memories of how the Internet can be misused.

The New York Times

W. Michael Blumenthal, the former United States treasury secretary who now is the director of the Jewish Museum in Berlin, was 12 then, but still has sharp memories of the night of Nov. 9, 1938.

The New York Times

The death of Kim Jong-il, the North Korean leader, on Saturday brought back sharp memories of the death of his father, Kim in-sung, in the summer of 1994, when I was an aide to the senior secretary for foreign and national security affairs in the South Korean president's office.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp memory" when you want to emphasize not just the ability to remember, but also the clarity and accuracy of the recollection. For example, describe a detective as having a "sharp memory" for crime scenes.

Common error

Don't assume "sharp memory" automatically implies comprehensive knowledge. It highlights recall ability, not necessarily vast knowledge. Someone can have a "sharp memory" for specific details without being an expert.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp memory" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "memory". It is used to indicate a high degree of accuracy and clarity in one's ability to recall information. Ludwig provides many examples in news and media and other contexts to understand this term.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp memory" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's ability to recall information with accuracy and clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "excellent recall" or "remarkable memory" exist, "sharp memory" provides a concise and effective way to highlight this cognitive strength. Remember to use it to emphasize clarity and precision, not just broad knowledge, and adjust the intensity of the phrase with alternatives like "razor-sharp memory" for stronger emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional memory

Stresses how memory abilities are beyond the normal standards.

razor-sharp memory

Uses a more vivid metaphor to describe the clarity and precision of memory.

acute memory

Uses a formal word to describe someone's good memory

remarkable memory

Emphasizes the unusual or noteworthy quality of someone's memory.

retentive memory

Highlights the ability to retain information over long periods.

excellent recall

Focuses on the act of remembering, implying a high degree of accuracy.

strong memory

Focuses on the power and reliability of memory.

unerring memory

Implies a perfect, infallible memory.

vivid memory

Highlights the clarity and detail of recalled experiences.

photographic memory

Suggests an almost perfect ability to remember visual information.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp memory" to describe someone who remembers things clearly and accurately. For example: "The historian's "exceptional memory" allowed her to recall specific dates and events with ease."

What's the difference between "sharp memory" and "photographic memory"?

"Sharp memory" implies a general ability to recall information accurately, while "photographic memory" suggests an ability to remember visual details with near-perfect precision. "Photographic memory" is often considered a more extreme and less common ability.

What can I say instead of "sharp memory"?

You can use alternatives like "excellent recall", "remarkable memory", or "acute memory" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "razor sharp memory" instead of "sharp memory"?

Yes, "razor-sharp memory" is a valid and often used alternative. It emphasizes the precision and clarity of the memory even more strongly than "sharp memory".