vague recollection

USAGE SUMMARY

"vague recollection" is a correct and commonly used expression in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "I had a vague recollection of the man, but I couldn't remember where I had seen him before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And I have a vague recollection of the subway.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, he had only a vague recollection of what he had written.

The New York Times

A vague recollection of social graces kept Ronnie in the parlor.

The New York Times

His editor doesn't share his vague recollection that he mentioned Samsung's role in his trip.

The New York Times

Mr. Flake said he had only a "vague recollection" of the gifts program, but that he did not support it.

The New York Times

I had a vague recollection that I also liked the Nets, the other team in the New York metropolitan region.

The New York Times - Sports

Send citations (the real thing, not a vague recollection like mine) to [email protected] and win lexicographical fame without fortune.

The New York Times - Magazine

I mean, I have a vague recollection of what I said, but what it looked like, I don't know.

The Guardian - Music

"I absolutely do not think that I have even a vague recollection of what normal life is like".

The Guardian - Film

Even the taxi commissioner at the time the rule was passed, Fidel F. Del Valle, said he had only a vague recollection of it.

The New York Times

Mrs. Amen had a vague recollection of the second floor of the White House, which her mother bore out as being accurate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vague recollection" when you want to express that your memory of something is not clear or detailed. It's suitable for describing past events, conversations, or sensory experiences that you don't fully remember.

Common error

Avoid using "vague recollection" when there is absolutely no memory of an event. The phrase implies some level of recall, even if it's incomplete. If there's no memory at all, use terms like "complete amnesia" or "no recollection whatsoever".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague recollection" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "vague" modifies the noun "recollection". It describes the quality of a memory as being indistinct or unclear. The Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in describing imperfect or incomplete memories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vague recollection" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to express an unclear or incomplete memory. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and understood, mainly in news and media contexts. While synonyms such as "hazy memory" or "imprecise recall" exist, "vague recollection" strikes a balance between formality and accessibility. When using this phrase, ensure that there is some level of memory present, as it doesn't imply complete amnesia. With its prevalent use and clear meaning, "vague recollection" remains a valuable tool for expressing imperfect memories.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hazy memory

Focuses on the unclear and indistinct nature of the memory.

dim remembrance

Emphasizes the fading quality of the memory.

imprecise recall

Highlights the lack of accuracy in remembering.

blurred image in one's mind

Uses a visual metaphor to describe the unclear memory.

fleeting impression

Suggests a brief and insubstantial memory.

shadowy trace in memory

Evokes a sense of mystery and incompleteness.

tenuous grasp of the past

Implies a weak and uncertain connection to past events.

partial awareness

Focuses on the incomplete nature of the memory.

fragmentary memory

Emphasizes the broken and incomplete nature of the memory.

indistinct mental picture

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and detail in the remembered image.

FAQs

How can I use "vague recollection" in a sentence?

You can use "vague recollection" to describe memories that are unclear or lack detail. For example, "I have a "vague recollection" of the party, but I can't remember who was there".

What is a more formal synonym for "vague recollection"?

A more formal synonym would be "imprecise recall". Both phrases indicate a lack of clarity in one's memory, but "imprecise recall" is often used in more formal or academic contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "vague recollection" in academic writing?

While "vague recollection" is widely understood, consider using a more precise term like "limited recall" or "incomplete memory" in academic writing to maintain a formal tone.

What's the difference between "vague recollection" and "hazy memory"?

The terms are largely interchangeable, but "hazy memory" often implies a sense of dreaminess or unreality, while "vague recollection" simply suggests a lack of detail.