triggered memories

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "triggered memories" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to memories that are recalled or evoked by a specific stimulus or event. Example: "The old photograph triggered memories of my childhood summers spent at the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Small, kitschy things mostly, but meaningful because they triggered memories.

The New York Times - Travel

It made me uncomfortable because it triggered memories of assault and sexual violence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Being in her company triggered memories of being a child alongside my grandmother, now long dead.

The New Yorker

Though the pixellated clouds triggered memories of rec-room joystick battles, the installation itself was spare and silent, the clouds' progression eerily slow.

The New Yorker

Susan Komisar Hausman President, No Secrets No Shame Stoughton, Mass., May 25 , 2009• To the Editor: John Banville's Op-Ed article triggered memories of my own Irish childhood.

The New York Times

Julia Kashner New York Alex Witchel's article triggered memories of living upstairs from the Second Avenue Deli in the late 1970s.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

As the researchers had hoped, the hypnosis triggered memory suppression.

Science Magazine

It stimulates thinking, and triggers memories.

The Guardian

Gallaccio points out smell triggers memories in oblique ways.

Independent

"They have been described as emotional landscapes in that they trigger memories of places and times".

The New York Times

I don't remember much ever feeling like a child, so maybe photographing them triggers memories.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "triggered memories", consider the emotional weight and potential impact on your audience. Be sensitive to the fact that certain memories may be associated with trauma or negative experiences.

Common error

Avoid constructions like "Memories were triggered" when an active voice construction such as "The photograph triggered memories" is clearer and more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "triggered memories" functions as a verb-noun combination, where "triggered" acts as a verb describing the action of something initiating or activating the memories, and "memories" is the noun representing the recollections or experiences being brought to mind. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "triggered memories" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of something prompting the recollection of past experiences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile enough to appear across diverse contexts, including News & Media and scientific discussions, although it's essential to use it with sensitivity, especially in emotionally charged scenarios. When alternative phrasing is desired, options like "evoked recollections" or "stirred up memories" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in tone. While "triggered memories" is generally considered acceptable, writers should be mindful of using the active voice for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoked recollections

Focuses on the act of bringing back past experiences or images into the mind.

stirred up memories

Highlights the emotional aspect of recalling past events, often suggesting a strong emotional reaction.

brought back memories

Emphasizes the retrieval of memories that were previously dormant or forgotten.

sparked memories

Implies a sudden and vivid recollection, often due to a specific trigger.

called forth memories

Suggests a deliberate or conscious effort to retrieve memories from the past.

conjured up memories

Implies the creation or vivid imagination of past events, sometimes with a hint of magic or fantasy.

reawakened memories

Focuses on memories that were once active but have since faded, now brought back to life.

unearthed memories

Conveys the idea of discovering memories that were hidden or buried deep within the mind.

elicited memories

Highlights the external stimulus that caused the memories to surface.

rekindled memories

Emphasizes the revival of warm or positive memories that bring joy and comfort.

FAQs

How can I use "triggered memories" in a sentence?

You can use "triggered memories" to describe how a specific stimulus or event caused someone to remember something. For instance, "The smell of cinnamon "triggered memories" of her grandmother's baking."

What's a more formal alternative to "triggered memories"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "evoked recollections" or "stimulated remembrance". These alternatives maintain a similar meaning while sounding more sophisticated.

Is it appropriate to use "triggered memories" when discussing sensitive topics?

Yes, but exercise caution. Be mindful that "triggered memories" can relate to traumatic experiences. Provide context and sensitivity when discussing such topics.

What's the difference between ""triggered memories"" and "created memories"?

"Triggered memories" refers to recalling existing memories due to an external stimulus. "Created memories" refers to the formation of new memories through experiences.