snippets of memory

USAGE SUMMARY

"snippets of memory" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to evoke fond or nostalgic memories of the past. For example, "She kept a journal of snippets of memory from her childhood to remember the happy times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

As the truth about their marriage filters in, so do disturbing snippets of memory from their last night together.

The New York Times - Books

As the faces of the dancers fill the screen (the quality of the animation, by Vita Berezina-Blackburn, and the video, by Maya Ciarrocchi, is remarkably vivid), the disembodied voice continues to offer snippets of memory and reflections about the past.

The New York Times - Arts

Therapists and neuroscientists alike say intrusive snippets of memory are a normal response to trauma, and I tend to agree.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Those snippets of memories began to emerge.

The New York Times

Now that the brothers are well past 90, their lives in baseball endure mainly as anecdotes and snippets of memories.

Los Angeles Times

The human ego is composed primarily of a constantly shifting medley of body sensations and thoughts combined with snippets of autobiographical memory (according to neuroscientist Antonio Damasio).

HuffPost

The film is absent anything resembling a conventional scene, consisting instead of fragments, slivers, snippets of recorded memory linked by uninspired voice-over of the "I spent 30 years not living life" and "Where did I go wrong?" variety.

Los Angeles Times

What follows are snippets of gossip, memories and realisations about writing, most of which come back to a central theme of mothers and their failures.

The Guardian - Books

He was inspired by snippets of conversation, flashes of memory.

Los Angeles Times

These are snippets of the early memories I have from dining out in D.C. and New York Chinatowns with my family growing up.

Huffington Post

I then collected a lot of seemingly random and what seemed like significant things out of the world, things I wanted to make fit into my prospective book - events, memories, snippets of what someone said, places, names of places, ideas - all, again, conveyed in language (sometimes just words I liked and wanted to put into play).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "snippets of memory" when you want to emphasize the fragmented and incomplete nature of recollections, rather than a comprehensive or linear narrative. It is particularly effective when describing how trauma or the passage of time can affect memory recall.

Common error

Avoid using "snippets of memory" when describing a full or detailed memory. This phrase is specifically for instances where the memory is partial or fragmented. If you mean a complete story use "memories" or "recollections" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "snippets of memory" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to describe incomplete or fragmented recollections. The phrase evokes a sense of partial or disjointed memories, as shown by the available examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "snippets of memory" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that describes fragmented or incomplete recollections. According to Ludwig, it is often used to evoke fond or nostalgic memories of the past. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts and has a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. Related phrases include "fragments of memory" and "fleeting memories". Remember to use "snippets of memory" when referring to partial recollections, and avoid using it when describing complete and detailed memories.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragments of memory

Emphasizes the incomplete and broken nature of the recollections.

bits of memory

A more casual and simple way to refer to small portions of memory.

shards of memory

Similar to fragments, but with a connotation of being sharp or painful.

partial recollections

Stresses the incomplete aspect of the memories.

fleeting memories

Highlights the brief and transient nature of the memories.

vague recollections

Focuses on the lack of clarity and detail in the memories.

isolated memories

Highlights the disconnected nature of the memories.

glimmers of memory

Implies that memories are faint and hard to see.

brief glimpses of the past

Uses a more visual metaphor to describe short and quick memories.

echoes of the past

Suggests faint and distant memories.

FAQs

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

You can use "snippets of memory" to describe fragmented recollections. For example, "The old photograph triggered "snippets of memory" from her childhood."

What are some synonyms for "snippets of memory"?

Alternatives to "snippets of memory" include "fragments of memory", "fleeting memories", or "partial recollections", which all convey a sense of incomplete or brief memories.

Is it appropriate to use "snippets of memory" in formal writing?

Yes, "snippets of memory" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing psychological or narrative themes. It accurately describes fragmented or incomplete recollections.

What's the difference between "snippets of memory" and "fond memories"?

"Snippets of memory" refers to fragmented or incomplete recollections, while "fond memories" describes pleasant or cherished recollections. The former focuses on the nature of the memory itself, while the latter focuses on the emotional quality of the memory.