to jog your memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to jog your memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to help someone remember something or to remind them of a specific detail or event. Example: "I brought up the old photos to jog your memory about our trip to the beach last summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Ameriquest, just to jog your memory, is now defunct.

The New York Times

You can have the computer give you a little hint to jog your memory at the login screen.

The New York Times

The app doesn't suggest items for you, but it does have a model list with over 200 useful camping items to jog your memory.

The New York Times - Tech

To jog your memory, and to kill some time while we wait for America to vote, here are 25 key moments from the race for the White House.

The Guardian

It's also very straightforward to adjust the file name of a recording to jog your memory about its contents — perhaps the subject of the meeting you're having at work, and so on.

The New York Times

And the more times you watch this trailer, I'm sorry to report, the more it starts to seem reminiscent of … well, that film they reminded you of within the first 10 seconds of the trailer by presenting the star, the director and the names of the films in big, bold letters to jog your memory.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Don't worry, there's an animated short video to help jog your memory.

Huffington Post

Look at other answers or questions to help jog your memory.

WikiHow

To help jog your memory, fixate on a facial feature that stands out--maybe this person's got really bushy eyebrows, or a cute nose.

WikiHow

There probably won't be obvious answers, but you can at least use the wording of the questions to help jog your memory and recall the information you studied.

WikiHow

When it comes down to questions that you really have to think about, review over what you have already done in order to try and jog your memory.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to jog your memory" when you want to gently remind someone of something they may have forgotten, without implying they have a poor memory. It's a polite way to reintroduce a topic or detail.

Common error

Avoid using "to jog your memory" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "to remind you" or "to refresh your memory" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to jog your memory" functions as an infinitive phrase acting as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a clause by expressing the purpose of an action – in this case, the purpose of providing information or a reminder. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to jog your memory" serves as a polite and effective way to prompt recollection and provide gentle reminders. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, also acceptable in Wiki. While not strictly formal, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for a range of writing styles. Remember to use this phrase thoughtfully and vary your language with alternatives to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to nudge your memory

Emphasizes the gentle prompting aspect, similar to the original phrase.

to refresh your recollection

Similar to "to jog your memory" but implies a more complete restoration of memory.

to aid your recall

Uses 'recall' instead of 'memory' and 'aid' to suggest assistance in remembering.

to prompt your recollection

Emphasizes a more formal and direct approach to stimulating memory, using 'recollection' instead of 'memory'.

let me refresh your memory

Phrased as a statement offering to refresh someone's memory.

to stimulate your memory

Focuses on the act of activating memory rather than the effect of a slight nudge.

to bring something to mind

Focuses on the act of causing a thought or memory to surface.

to call something to mind

Similar to 'bring something to mind' but with a slightly different emphasis.

to remind you of something

A more direct way of saying the same thing, focusing on the act of reminding.

to help you remember

Simplifies the phrase to its basic function: assisting remembrance.

FAQs

How can I use "to jog your memory" in a sentence?

You can use "to jog your memory" to introduce a reminder or clarification. For instance, "To jog your memory, we discussed this at our last meeting" or "I'm showing you these photos to jog your memory of our vacation".

What are some alternatives to "to jog your memory"?

Alternatives include "to refresh your memory", "to remind you", or "to aid your recollection". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "to jog your memory" in formal writing?

While "to jog your memory" is generally acceptable, it can be considered somewhat informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "to refresh your recollection" or "to remind you of", which convey a similar meaning with greater formality.

What's the difference between "to jog your memory" and "to refresh your memory"?

"To jog your memory" implies a gentle nudge or reminder, suggesting that the person already has some recollection of the topic. "To refresh your memory" suggests a more thorough review or reintroduction of the information, implying that the person may have completely forgotten it.