Cool MateBy memory vs Recall
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
By memory
Top 3,000 (common)
Recall
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most common: Recall
| By memory | Recall | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //baɪ ˈmɛməri//🇺🇸 //baɪ ˈmɛməri// | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈkɔːl/","/rɪˈkɔːlz/","/rɪˈkɔːld/","/rɪˈkɔːlɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈkɔːl/","/rɪˈkɔːlz/","/rɪˈkɔːld/","/rɪˈkɔːlɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Remembering something without looking at notes. | To remember something from the past. |
| Example | She recited the poem by memory during the class. | I can easily recall the events of that day. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | learn by memory, recall by memory, speak by memory, write by memory, sing by memory | clearly, distinctly, vividly, seem to, be able to, can, recall how…, recall seeing, reading, hearing, etc. something |
| Antonyms | - | forget, overlook |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'from memory', which has a similar meaning but is less formal., Using in very formal situations where a more precise term is required., Forgetting to use context to clarify what is being remembered. | Used as a noun instead of verb (e.g., 'the recall' instead of 'to recall'), Confused with 'recollect' which has a slightly different nuance, Misused in contexts where 'forget' is more appropriate |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in academic and informal settings. Avoid in highly technical or formal writing. | Used when talking about memory or past experiences. More common in formal or academic contexts. Avoid in casual speech where other words like 'remember' may be preferred. |
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Frequently asked questions: By memory vs Recall
What's the difference between By memory and Recall?
By memory: Remembering something without looking at notes. Recall: To remember something from the past.
Which is more common: By memory and Recall?
Recall is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
By memory: She recited the poem by memory during the class. Recall: I can easily recall the events of that day.
Can I use By memory and Recall interchangeably?
Not always. By memory and Recall are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.