trigger the memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trigger the memory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that an event or experience prompts someone to remember something. For example, "Walking through the park triggered the memory of the first time we met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

As Mr. Ferver says, one action can trigger the memory of another.

The New York Times - Arts

They try to trigger the memory of the shock zone to see if they can erase it.

Princeton University

Hearing the distinctive sound would trigger the memory to be replayed repeatedly, the scientists said, enhancing the learning process.

The Guardian

In PTSD, the trauma is involuntarily re-lived in intrusive images that can create anxiety and a tendency to avoid anything that might trigger the memory.

Harvard University

Using techniques for labelling active neurons, for example, teams have located circuits associated with the memory of a painful stimulus in rodents and successfully reactivated those pathways to trigger the memory.

Nature

It is a movie about memory: a gunshot is always liable to trigger the memory of previous violence, the trauma lurks nearby, at point-blank range, part of a skein of remembered bloodshed extending backwards as the revenge plot pushes forwards.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"I don't know if that will ever change — some things will always trigger the memories".

Los Angeles Times

The next time you see that food, smell that food, or even read about that food, your brain starts to trigger the memories and responses that came when you ate it.

HuffPost

The dinner that triggered the memory was at Les Halles on Park Avenue South near 29th Street.

The New York Times

Mayer-Schönberger says: "My stepfather's diary was probably incredibly meaningful for him because when he read some banal detail about butter, maybe that triggered the memory of the place for him.

The Guardian - Tech

The Vset triggers the memory cell from an HRS to an LRS, which is defined as the 'set' process.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trigger the memory" to clearly indicate that a specific stimulus or event causes a memory to surface. For example, "The old song triggered the memory of their first dance."

Common error

Be mindful of the context in which you use "trigger the memory", particularly when discussing sensitive topics such as trauma or PTSD. Overusing the term can diminish its impact and potentially cause unintended distress. Instead, consider alternative phrasing such as "evoked the memory" or "prompted a recollection" when a less forceful connotation is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger the memory" functions as a verb phrase where "trigger" acts as a transitive verb, taking "the memory" as its direct object. It describes the action of initiating or activating a memory through a stimulus or event. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trigger the memory" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing how an event, sensation, or piece of information can cause someone to remember something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news, science, and academic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, caution is advised when discussing sensitive topics. Consider alternatives such as "evoke a memory" or "prompt a recollection" when a less forceful connotation is desired. By understanding its appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate the process of memory retrieval in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

activate the memory

Focuses on the commencement of memory retrieval.

spark the memory

Emphasizes a sudden or instantaneous recall.

evoke the memory

Highlights the act of bringing a memory to mind through external cues.

stimulate recall

Focuses on the process of prompting memory through specific stimuli.

prompt remembrance

Stresses the instigation of a remembering action.

call forth the memory

Implies a deliberate effort to retrieve a memory.

unlock the memory

Suggests releasing a memory that was previously inaccessible.

set off the memory

Indicates a chain reaction leading to remembrance.

cue recollection

Highlights the role of a cue in stimulating memory.

jog the memory

Suggests a gentle reminder that helps to recall something.

FAQs

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

You can use "trigger the memory" to explain that a specific event or sensation caused someone to remember something. For example, "The smell of lavender "triggered the memory" of her grandmother's garden."

What is a less sensitive alternative to "trigger the memory"?

Depending on the context, alternatives such as "evoke a memory", "prompt a recollection", or "remind someone of" might be more appropriate and less likely to cause unintended distress.

Is it appropriate to use "trigger the memory" in formal writing?

Yes, "trigger the memory" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or academic contexts where you're discussing memory and stimuli. However, be mindful of the tone and potential sensitivities of your audience.

What's the difference between "trigger the memory" and "jog the memory"?

"Trigger the memory" implies a more forceful and direct activation of a memory, while "jog the memory" suggests a gentler prompting or reminding action.