What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recall
Example
I can't recall where I put my keys. [recall: verb]
Example
The smell of the ocean breeze recalled memories of childhood vacations. [recalled: past tense]
Example
Can you recall the name of the author we were discussing earlier? [recall: verb]
recollect
Example
I can vaguely recollect meeting her at a party once. [recollect: verb]
Example
The old photograph helped him recollect his childhood memories. [recollect: verb]
Example
I'm trying to recollect what happened that day, but it's all a blur. [recollect: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recall is more commonly used than recollect in everyday language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between recall and recollect?
Recall is more formal than recollect.
