within living memory

USAGE SUMMARY

'within living memory' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It basically means 'in recent times', referring to something that someone may remember. For example: 'The eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in 2010 is still within living memory for many people in Iceland.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Even within living memory, rickets was widespread.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But that was an unconscious failure; active betrayal has come within living memory.

The Guardian - Opinion

I know it is all a long time ago, but well within living memory Alec Douglas-Home did the same.

The Guardian

All the main Nato states that bombed Libya, for example – the US, Britain, France and Italy – have had troops occupying the country well within living memory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Almost more implausible, when you watch the likes of BBC4's three-part documentary Rock'n'Roll America, is the fact that it happened well within living memory.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The assumption that alcohol possesses broad and brilliant therapeutic powers was among the firmest tenets of medical science until well within living memory.

The New Yorker

It was a wonderful experience for us, and it brought home just how much food and lifestyles have changed within living memory.

The Guardian

For a long time now, dissent has been taking hold among younger people who are unwilling to forgo freedoms, and promises of freedom, made within living memory.

The New Yorker

"Decreation: Poetry, Essays, Opera" (Knopf, $24.95) is one of the strangest and most interesting gatherings of material that any poet has published within living memory.

The Economist

By Amy Clampitt The New Yorker, August 10 , 1992P. 50 The coldest, wettest spring within living memory View Article By Miranda Carter By Jia Tolentino By Amos Barshad By Emily Nussbaum.

The New Yorker

Herodotus was writing within living memory of an event so epic that it continues to thrill and astonish to this day: the repulse in 480BC of a full-scale invasion of Greece, led by the King of Persia, Xerxes.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "within living memory" to add a sense of immediacy and relevance to historical events or changes. It helps connect the past to the present.

Common error

Avoid using "within living memory" for events that are too distant. The phrase implies that someone currently alive could realistically remember the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within living memory" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It provides a temporal context, specifying when an event occurred relative to the lifespan of people currently alive. Ludwig AI provides examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within living memory" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe events that occurred in recent times, specifically during the lifetime of people still alive. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial phrase to emphasize recency and relevance, bridging the past and present. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase carries a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. When using "within living memory", remember to apply it to appropriately recent events and consider related alternatives like "in recent times" or "in recent memory" for nuanced expression. The most common error is stretching the timeframe to include events too distant to be realistically remembered by someone alive today.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In living memory

Similar to the original, but without the preposition "within".

In recent times

Emphasizes the short time span since the event occurred, focusing on the present.

In recent memory

Highlights the fact that the event is easily recalled, implying it happened not long ago.

In the memory of people alive today

More explicit about the range of memory being referred to.

In our time

Focuses on the current era, suggesting a shared experience of the event.

That people still remember

Highlights the act of remembrance as a key factor.

Not long ago

Simple and direct, highlighting the recency of the event.

In the current generation

Emphasizes the generational aspect of shared memory.

In the present era

Highlights the current period, often used to contrast with previous times.

Of recent occurrence

More formal, emphasizing the recent happening or existence of something.

FAQs

What does "within living memory" mean?

It means something happened in recent times, during the lifetime of people still alive, and is therefore likely to be remembered by them.

How can I use "within living memory" in a sentence?

You can use it to emphasize how recently something occurred, such as, "The shift to digital media happened "within living memory"."

What are some alternatives to "within living memory"?

Alternatives include "in recent times", "in recent memory", or "in our time".

Is "within living memory" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.