to recall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to recall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of remembering or bringing something back to mind. Example: "I need to recall the details of our last meeting to provide an accurate report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He objected to recall.

The New Yorker

Still to recall, to praise.

The New York Times - Books

You have to recall that.

The New York Times

To recall: Hip replacements.

The New Yorker

Maria tries to recall.

The Guardian

Gioia will vote to recall anything.

The New Yorker

Encouraged, I began to recall other examples.

The New York Times - Food

Chicago may be able to recall Emanuel.

Independent

Frantically he tried to recall the message.

The New York Times - Magazine

I seem to recall squaring my shoulders.

The New York Times

It pushed Toyota hard to recall vehicles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance of "to recall" versus simpler alternatives like "to remember". "To recall" often implies a more deliberate effort to bring something to mind.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "to recall" with words like "recital" or "revoke." While they might sound similar, their meanings are entirely different. Ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of remembering or bringing back.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to recall" functions primarily as a verb, indicating the action of remembering or retrieving information. Ludwig AI illustrates this with examples like "Maria tries to recall" and "Encouraged, I began to recall other examples."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to recall" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that conveys the act of remembering or retrieving information. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its versatility, with usage spanning across news, scientific, and general contexts. While synonymous with "to remember", it often implies a more deliberate act of bringing something to mind. To enhance your writing, consider the context and nuance when choosing between "to recall" and its alternatives, and avoid confusion with similar-sounding words. As Ludwig AI indicates, "to recall" finds its place in varied settings, offering a reliable means to express recollection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to remember

Emphasizes the act of bringing something back into one's mind, focusing on the mental process of recollection.

to recollect

Implies a more deliberate and effortful act of remembering, often involving piecing together fragments of memory.

to bring to mind

Focuses on the act of causing a memory or idea to enter one's consciousness.

to call to mind

Similar to "to bring to mind", but suggests a more active effort to summon a memory.

to think back to

Highlights the process of mentally returning to a past event or time.

to look back on

Similar to "to think back to", but with a connotation of reflection and contemplation.

to reminisce about

Focuses on pleasant memories and the enjoyment of recalling them.

to summon up

Implies a strong effort to retrieve a memory or feeling, often from a place deep within the mind.

to retrieve

Emphasizes the act of recovering or accessing information from a stored source, whether memory or data.

to withdraw

When used in the context of statements or products, it means to retract or take back something that was previously said or offered.

FAQs

How can I use "to recall" in a sentence?

You can use "to recall" to talk about remembering something, such as, "I'm trying "to recall where I left my keys"" or "She struggled "to recall the events of that night"".

What are some alternatives to "to recall"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to remember", "to recollect", or "to bring to mind".

Is there a difference between "to recall" and "to remember"?

"To recall" often implies a more deliberate and effortful attempt to bring something back to your mind, whereas "to remember" can be more general and passive.

When is it appropriate to use "to recall" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "to recall" in both formal and informal writing when you want to emphasize the act of remembering or bringing something specific back to your consciousness. For instance, it is very useful in scientific research reports, such as, "Subjects were asked "to recall their first smoking experience"".