What is recall? Pronunciation and usage in English

recall means . Learn how to pronounce and use recall through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of recall

recallverb

/rɪˈkɔːl/
Definition & pronunciation of recall

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "recall" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /rɪˈkɔːl/ (rhymes with "curl")

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ri: Like the "ri" in "ride." It’s a short, quick "i" sound.
  • ˈkɔːl: This is the key part.
    • kɔː: This is a slightly elongated vowel sound, like the "aw" in "law" or "caught." It’s a broad "aw" sound.
    • l: A regular "l" sound.

Tips for getting it right:

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  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you other words with similar vowel sounds?

Usage and examples with the word recall in English

Let's break down how to use the word "recall" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized with examples:

1. To Remember (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: To bring something back to your mind; to remember.
  • Structure: I recall seeing that movie. She recalled his name.
  • Synonyms: remember, recollect, remember, reminisce
  • Example Sentences:
    • "I can barely recall what I did yesterday."
    • "Do you recall the details of the meeting?"
    • "He recalled a wonderful childhood memory."

2. A Company's Action to Fix a Defective Product

  • Meaning: A manufacturer’s act of returning a product to the customer to repair it, replace it, or refund the purchase price due to a defect.
  • Examples:
    • "The car manufacturer issued a recall for faulty airbags."
    • "The company announced a recall of the affected toys."
    • "You may need to take your vehicle to a dealership for a recall."

3. To Retell or Recount

  • Meaning: To tell someone about something you remember.
  • Structure: He recalled the story he'd heard. She recalled the events of the evening.
  • Synonyms: relate, recount, narrate
  • Example Sentences:
    • "Could you recall the meeting for me?" (meaning, "Can you tell me about the meeting?")
    • "He recalled the adventure he had while traveling."

4. (Less Common) To Call Back to Mind

  • Meaning: To bring something back to your awareness or attention. This usage is a bit more formal.
  • Structure: The details of the case are beginning to recall to my mind.
  • Example: “The professor’s lecture recalled to my mind the complexities of the subject.”

Key Differences & How to Choose the Right Meaning

  • Focus on Memory: If you're talking about personal remembering, use it as a verb meaning “to remember.”
  • Focus on Products: If you're talking about cars, electronics, or other products, it's about a company's recall.

Tips for Using "Recall" Correctly:

  • "Recall" is a slightly more formal word than "remember." You'll often hear it in written contexts or in more formal speech.
  • "Recall" often implies a more detailed or specific memory. It suggests you're trying to bring something specific to mind.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What are you trying to do with the word "recall"? (e.g., write a story, have a conversation, understand a news article?)

Synonyms for the word recall

Practice with vocabulary recall

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite a clear explanation, he found it challenging to ______ the main points of the presentation afterward.
  2. The historian worked diligently to ______ forgotten stories from the archive, bringing them back to public attention.
  3. I need you to ______ the key deadlines for the project, so we don't miss anything important.
  4. The teacher asked the students to ______ all the irregular verbs for next week's test.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The lawyer pressed the witness to ______ any specific events from that evening, no matter how trivial. a) remind b) recollect c) forget d) recall

  2. In an emergency, it's crucial for first responders to ______ the safety protocols quickly and accurately. a) dismiss b) remember c) ignore d) recall

  3. The software company had to ______ its latest update after users reported numerous critical bugs. a) launch b) distribute c) recall d) release

  4. During the reunion, old friends gathered to ______ shared experiences and laugh about past adventures. a) neglect b) recall c) reminisce d) envision

  5. Could you please ______ me about the meeting's new time later this afternoon? I tend to forget. a) remember b) remind c) bring to mind d) look up

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Despite its historical significance, many people struggle to remember the precise details of the event. Rewrite:
  2. Original: Her ability to remember complex formulas quickly was impressive. Rewrite:
  3. Original: I often find myself thinking about my childhood holidays with great fondness. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite a clear explanation, he found it challenging to recall the main points of the presentation afterward.
  2. The historian worked diligently to recall forgotten stories from the archive, bringing them back to public attention.
  3. I need you to remember the key deadlines for the project, so we don't miss anything important.
  4. The teacher asked the students to memorize all the irregular verbs for next week's test.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) recollect, d) recall
  2. b) remember, d) recall
  3. c) recall
  4. c) reminisce
  5. b) remind

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite: Despite its historical significance, many people struggle to recall the precise details of the event.
  2. Rewrite: Her ability to recall complex formulas quickly was impressive.
  3. Rewrite: I often find myself recollecting my childhood holidays with great fondness.

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