trigger the memory of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trigger the memory of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that evokes or brings back a specific memory or recollection. Example: "The old photograph triggered the memory of our summer vacation at the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

54 human-written examples

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

Music triggered the memories of Alzheimer's patients.

Los Angeles Times

Being triggered, seeing something that brings back the memory of their assault, is what the site is trying to help these women avoid.

Vice

This approach differs from other pilot studies using image capture in that the images are captured automatically after users initiate the camera and later the users themselves use the images to trigger memory of the foods that were consumed, eliminating the guesswork that would be required of third party reviewers.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Often something you see or hear later in the day will trigger a memory of a dream from the night before.

WikiHow

A flashback of the zigzag path in Life and Nothing More... (1992) in turn triggers the spectator's memory of the previous film, Where Is the Friend's Home? from 1987, shot before the earthquake.

Wikipedia

And the last place that might have triggered a memory of him would have been the Ritz.

The New Yorker

But too often it has become merely a trigger for the collective memory of a room of hipsters.

The New York Times - Arts

Watching a slow motion disaster with business and government pointing the finger at each other and volunteers being asked to pick up the slack triggers memories of the years after the levees failed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trigger the memory of" when you want to convey that something specific caused a particular memory to surface. This phrase is effective in describing a direct and often sudden connection between a stimulus and a recollection.

Common error

Be careful not to interchange "trigger" with verbs like "remind" or "suggest" if the intention is to express a direct causal link between an event and a memory. "Remind" implies a gentler prompting, while "trigger" indicates a more forceful or immediate recall.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger the memory of" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of something causing a memory to be recalled. It highlights a direct causal relationship between a stimulus and the surfacing of a specific memory. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of its use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trigger the memory of" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to convey how a specific stimulus causes a particular memory to surface. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it is relatively rare. Its usage spans across different contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Wiki, demonstrating its versatility. When writing, consider the subtle differences between "trigger" and similar verbs like "remind" to ensure the intended meaning is accurately conveyed. For alternatives, consider "spark the memory of", "evoke the memory of", or "bring back the memory of" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spark the memory of

Replaces "trigger" with "spark", implying a sudden and energetic recall.

invoke the memory of

Uses "invoke" instead of "trigger", suggesting a more deliberate or formal summoning of a memory.

evoke the memory of

Substitutes "trigger" with "evoke", indicating a gentle or subtle calling forth of a memory.

call forth the memory of

Emphasizes the act of bringing a memory to the forefront of consciousness.

bring back the memory of

Highlights the return of a memory that was previously dormant or forgotten.

stir up the memory of

Suggests a more emotional or turbulent awakening of a memory.

rekindle the memory of

Implies a restoration or revival of a fading or weak memory.

awaken the memory of

Emphasizes the sudden and surprising nature of a memory surfacing.

activate the memory of

Uses "activate" to emphasize the process of making a memory accessible or functional.

reawaken the memory of

Similar to awaken, but suggests a memory that was previously awakened and then forgotten.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "trigger the memory of" in a sentence?

You can replace "trigger the memory of" with phrases like "spark the memory of", "evoke the memory of", or "bring back the memory of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "trigger the memory of" formal or informal?

The phrase "trigger the memory of" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, you might consider more precise synonyms like "invoke the memory of" or "elicit the memory of".

What is the difference between "trigger the memory of" and "remind me of"?

"Trigger the memory of" suggests a more direct and sometimes involuntary recall of a specific memory, while "remind me of" implies a gentler association or similarity that brings something to mind. The former is often more intense or sudden.

Can "trigger the memory of" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "trigger the memory of" can be used in a negative context, especially when discussing traumatic or unpleasant memories. For instance, "The sound of fireworks can "trigger the memory of" a past bombing for some veterans."