you may recall

USAGE SUMMARY

"you may recall" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to information that has previously been discussed or mentioned. For example: "As you may recall, last week we discussed the importance of getting enough sleep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You may recall this from the film.

The New Yorker

As you may recall, I was hesitant.

The New York Times

As you may recall, that didn't happen.

The New York Times - Arts

You may recall 2009 with a shudder.

The New York Times

The marvelous, you may recall, is a tenet of Surrealism.

The New York Times - Magazine

His creator, as you may recall, felt differently.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"You may recall that a depression came over the [party].

The Guardian

(Which then, you may recall, swept the country).

The New Yorker

You may recall who won the 2012 election.

The Washington Post

You may recall nervousness, a twinge of guilt.

The New York Times

Yet you may recall having a pretty good time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "you may recall", ensure that the information you're referencing was actually shared with your audience previously.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "you may recall". This can become repetitive and condescending. Instead, vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you may recall" functions as an introductory device used to prompt the listener or reader to remember a piece of information that has been previously shared or is assumed to be known. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable application in varied written contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "you may recall" is a versatile tool for writers and speakers alike, effectively prompting the audience to remember shared information. As Ludwig AI highlights, its correct usage is confirmed through numerous examples in news, formal, and scientific contexts. While it's grammatically sound and widely accepted, remember to avoid overuse to maintain engagement. Alternatives such as "as you might remember" or "as you probably know" can add variety to your writing. Used judiciously, "you may recall" strengthens connections with your audience and enhances the clarity of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as you might remember

Emphasizes the possibility that the listener might not remember.

you might remember

This suggest that you are trying to encourage the listener to remember.

as you probably know

Suggests the information is widely known.

perhaps you recall

Introduces a note of uncertainty or politeness.

if you remember correctly

Highlights the accuracy of the listener's memory.

if memory serves

Expresses uncertainty about the accuracy of the recalled information.

as you are aware

Implies the listener has prior knowledge of the subject.

you might recollect

Uses a more formal word for remembering.

do you remember

Directly questions the listener's memory.

as previously mentioned

Refers to something explicitly stated earlier.

FAQs

How can I use "you may recall" in a sentence?

You can use "you may recall" to refer back to something previously mentioned or known. For example, "You may recall that we discussed this issue last week".

What are some alternatives to "you may recall"?

Some alternatives include "as you might remember", "as you probably know", or "if you remember correctly" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "as you may recall" instead of "you may recall"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "As you may recall" might sound slightly more formal or polite.

What's the difference between "you may recall" and "you might remember"?

"You may recall" directly prompts the memory, while "you might remember" acknowledges a possibility of forgotten information.