trigger a memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trigger a memory" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to cause a memory to suddenly come to mind. Example: The smell of freshly baked cookies always triggers a memory of my grandmother's kitchen.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Sometimes it will trigger a memory.

The New York Times

"I wanted to get details that trigger a memory.

The New York Times

Every trip past a bench or to a bank manager's office threatens to trigger a memory.

The Guardian - Film

Interpol officers hope that a blotchy and pixelated photo of him may help to trigger a memory somewhere.

The Guardian

The extraordinary thing is that songs and lyrics elicit a response – a particular song might trigger a memory, a mood, a feeling.

The Guardian

The smell of an old brand of soap, photograph or war object can help trigger a memory that the person might be able to tell me about, or articulate using their body language.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"You're just walking down a street and something triggers a memory.

The New York Times

It triggers a memory from Dee's own childhood, about chocolate being disapproved of.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Thoughts of his father came in waves, one of his senses triggering a memory.

The New York Times - Sports

Every smell triggers a memory; it's just a matter of having them to draw on".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The expression "Proust's madeleine" is still used today to refer to a sensory cue that triggers a memory.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "trigger a memory" when you want to emphasize that a specific stimulus caused a sudden recollection. It's suitable for describing sensory experiences or events that unexpectedly bring past experiences to mind.

Common error

Avoid using "trigger a memory" when you mean to simply recall something. "Trigger" implies an external stimulus causing the memory to surface, not a deliberate act of remembering. If you are actively trying to remember something, use phrases like "recall a memory" or "try to remember."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger a memory" functions as a verb phrase where "trigger" is the verb and "a memory" is the object. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used, indicating its established place in English grammar.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trigger a memory" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe how an event or stimulus causes a memory to surface. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, remember that "trigger" implies a causal relationship, where an external factor prompts the recollection. It's not about actively trying to remember something. Alternatives such as "elicit a memory" or "spark a memory" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicit a memory

Focuses on drawing out a memory that is already present.

spark a memory

Suggests a sudden and energetic initiation of a memory.

activate a memory

Emphasizes the process of making a memory functional or accessible.

provoke a memory

Highlights that something is causing a memory, whether desired or not.

call up a memory

Indicates a conscious effort to bring a memory to mind.

conjure up a memory

Suggests a more imaginative or vivid recall of a memory.

stir up a memory

Implies that a memory is being disturbed or awakened from a dormant state.

rekindle a memory

Indicates that a fading memory is being revived or refreshed.

awaken a memory

Suggests that a memory is being brought to consciousness from a state of dormancy.

resurrect a memory

Emphasizes the recovery of a memory that was seemingly lost or forgotten.

FAQs

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

Use "trigger a memory" to describe how a specific stimulus or event causes a memory to suddenly come to mind. For example, "The old song "triggered a memory" of my childhood summer vacations."

What can I say instead of "trigger a memory"?

You can use alternatives like "elicit a memory", "spark a memory", or "activate a memory" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "trigger a memory" or "remember a memory"?

"Trigger a memory" describes something causing a memory to surface, while "remember a memory" means to actively recall a past event or experience. The two phrases have distinct meanings and uses.

What's the difference between "trigger a memory" and "bring back memories"?

"Trigger a memory" implies a more sudden and unexpected recall, often due to an external stimulus. "Bring back memories" is a more general phrase that suggests a broader range of recollections, which may or may not be sudden.