Telling memories in English. Useful phrases

1. Memories

2.  I have an excellent long term memory
 I have a bad short term memory: I’m always forgetting names.
 I have a good memory so I remember lots of things from my
childhood.
 I have a bad memory so it’s difficult to revise for an exam.
One early memory that I have is walking in the park with my dad.
There is something special about smells when it comes to
evoking memories.
Do you have vivid or hazy memories from your childhood?
I had a really beautiful girlfriend but she dumped me. I suppose
it’s a bittersweet memory.
I have fond memories of primary school.
At talkingmemories.com you can record your memories of
particular stages in your life.
This place holds lots of memories for us.
When I hear this song it brings back a lot of memories.
These memories come flooding back.
COLLOCATIONS

3.  When I was young / little / a young child / a kid …
 Years ago….
 Back in 1992…. / Back then……
 In the past…..
 In those days ……
 From the age of (about) … till I was …
 When I was at primary / secondary school / university / college
…
 I must have been three when …

4. REMINDERS
• The pain in my shoulder is a constant reminder of
my car accident.
• When I see my young cousins playing it reminds
me of the game that I used to play.
• The smell of a cake in the oven reminds me of
when I used to make cakes with my grandmother.
• It evokes strong memories from my time in Ireland.
• That smell brings back powerful childhood
memories.
• Have you ever had that feeling of being carried
back in time / to your teenage years by a
particular odour?
• That song takes me back in time / to my
childhood.

5. THINGS YOU REMEMBER
 I remember when I hit my brother with a spoon.
 I distinctly remember being chased by a big white dog.
 I vividly remember the games that I used to play with my
friends.
 I clearly remember my favourite doll.
 My first love’s name is etched on my memory.
 I remember my first day at school as if it were yesterday.

6. THINGS YOU’VE ( nearly) FORGOTTEN
 I’ve completely forgotten what the girl’s name was.
 I completely forget my teacher’s name.
 The girl’s name has slipped my mind.
 I can’t remember the words of the song.
 My mind’s gone blank.
 I only have a hazy recollection of what my
grandparents’ house looked like.
 I only have vague memories of my time at primary
school.

7. THINGS YOU’VE ( nearly) FORGOTTEN
 I’ve completely forgotten what the girl’s name was.
 I completely forget my teacher’s name.
 The girl’s name has slipped my mind.
 I can’t remember the words of the song.
 My mind’s gone blank.
 I only have a hazy recollection of what my
grandparents’ house looked like.
 I only have vague memories of my time at primary
school.