you recall that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "you recall that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something previously mentioned or discussed, prompting the reader to remember that information. Example: "As we discussed in our last meeting, you recall that the deadline for the project is next Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Do you recall that time frame?

The New York Times

Only in moments of sanity do you recall that, well, it's a game.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Do you recall that scene in 'Pretty Woman' where Richard Gere walks barefoot on the grass?

The New York Times

If you recall that time, and can share it with fellow readers below, that would be marvelous.

The New York Times

Maybe it's little note in a journal, or a blog post, that will help you recall that feeling of dread that caused you to sell.

The New York Times

" 'The puppet will finish the entire matter tomorrow' — do you recall that, Mr. Donziger?" asked the lawyer, Randy M. Mastro, quoting from the emails.

The New York Times

Things look even worse for this population when you recall that deficit- ­financed tax cuts must eventually be paid for somehow.

The Washington Post

Tread lightly, though, for when you recall that moment, you tread on whiteyed's dreams: "Don't agree with this – the unmasking of Kendo Nagasaki is up there with the collapse of the Roman empire".

The Guardian

You recall that GM created Delphi when it split off its partsmaking operations to cut costs.

Forbes

As you recall, that specific deal went to the dogs and Microsoft wrote down billions.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As you may recall, that didn't happen.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "you recall that" in formal writing, ensure the context has been clearly established earlier in the text to avoid confusing the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "you recall that". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "as you may remember" or rephrasing the sentence entirely to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you recall that" functions as an interrogative clause initiator, prompting the listener or reader to remember a specific piece of information. As Ludwig indicates, it is grammatically sound. The phrase serves to connect present discussion points with previously established knowledge.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "you recall that" is a grammatically correct phrase used to prompt memory of previously discussed information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts but leans towards neutral to formal settings. It's commonly found in News & Media and Academic writing. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "you remember that" or "as you may recall" for variety. Remember to clearly establish the context for the prompted memory to avoid confusing your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do you remember that

Uses "remember" instead of "recall", focusing on memory.

as you remember

Frames the recalling as something the listener already does.

do you recollect that

Uses "recollect", a more formal synonym for "recall".

if you remember correctly

Adds a condition of accuracy to the memory.

you might recall

Uses "might" to soften the prompting.

you may remember that

Uses "may" to indicate possibility.

do you happen to recall that

Adds a sense of chance or uncertainty.

if you think back

Suggests a mental journey to the past.

you'll remember that

Expresses confidence in the listener's memory.

as you might remember

Uses conditional language to acknowledge a possible lack of memory.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "you recall that"?

You can use alternatives like "you remember that", "you might recall", or "as you may remember depending on the context.

How can I use "you recall that" effectively in a sentence?

Use "you recall that" to smoothly transition to a point previously mentioned in the conversation or text. For example, "You recall that we discussed the budget last week; this decision impacts those figures."

Is "you recall that" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "you recall that" is acceptable for formal writing, but consider using more formal alternatives like "you may recollect" to enhance the tone.

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

While both phrases prompt memory, "you recall that" can sound slightly more formal. "You remember that" is generally more conversational, while "you recall that" might be preferred in more formal contexts.