then I remember

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then I remember" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when recalling a memory or realization that follows a previous thought or event. Example: "I was lost in thought about my childhood, and then I remember the summer vacations spent at my grandparents' house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But then I remember the morning.

The New Yorker

And then I remember something else.

The Guardian

"Then I remember that I'm Stevie Blue.

The New York Times - Style

And then I remember, oh yeah.

The Guardian

And then I remember he gave me that reason".

The New York Times

But then I remember, tap water costs 0.1p per litre.

Independent

But then I remember: This is no ordinary twig anole.

The New York Times

Then I remember interviewing people who started asking about benefits.

The New York Times

Then I remember: the flush, the damn flush.

The New York Times

And then I remember: I like my stuff.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then I remember what his answer will be.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then I remember" to create a narrative flow, indicating a shift in thought or the introduction of a relevant memory. It's effective in storytelling or when reflecting on past events.

Common error

Avoid using "then I remember" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound informal or conversational. Opt for alternatives like "I then realized" or "subsequently, I recalled" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then I remember" functions as an introductory phrase that signals a shift in thought or the introduction of a relevant memory. It connects a prior thought or situation to a subsequent realization or recollection. Ludwig's examples show a prevalence in narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "then I remember" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a memory or realization following a previous thought or event. As shown by Ludwig, it is widely used in news and media contexts. While appropriate for general use, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "I then realized" or "subsequently, I recalled" in academic or professional settings. Using "then I remember" can add a narrative flow to your writing, but be mindful of overuse, especially in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

then I realized

A direct alternative, focusing on the act of becoming aware of something.

later I remembered

Similar to "then I remember", but specifying that the remembering happened at a later time.

I suddenly remembered

Emphasizes the abruptness of the memory coming to mind.

then it dawned on me

Emphasizes a sudden realization, similar to remembering, but often with a sense of clarity or understanding.

it then occurred to me

A more formal way of saying "then I realized", often used in written contexts.

then it struck me

Highlights the impact of the realization, suggesting it was forceful or significant.

at that moment I knew

Focuses on the certainty and understanding gained at the time of remembering.

I subsequently recalled

Indicates a later act of remembering, emphasizing the sequence of events.

I recollected then

A more formal and less common way of saying "then I remembered".

the memory resurfaced

Highlights the return of a previously forgotten memory.

FAQs

How can I use "then I remember" in a sentence?

Use "then I remember" to introduce a thought or memory that comes to mind after a previous event or realization. For example: "I was trying to recall where I'd met her before, and "then I remember", it was at John's party."

What are some alternatives to "then I remember"?

You can use phrases like "then I realized", "then it dawned on me", or "I subsequently recalled" as alternatives to "then I remember", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "then I remember" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "then I remember" can sound informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "it then occurred to me" or "I subsequently recalled" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "then I remember" and "I remembered"?

"I remembered" is a simple past tense statement of recalling something. "Then I remember" implies a sequence of events, where the act of remembering happens after a previous action or thought. It suggests a connection or contrast to what was previously stated. It is more emphatic than "I remembered".