“For as long as I can remember” shows that you’ve known something for a long time. It allows you to think back to a reason why something might be the case. This article will look at some good alternatives you can use to replace the phrase.
Other ways to say “for as long as I can remember” are “as far as I can remember,” “from what I can remember,” and “from what I recall.” These are the best phrases to recollect information you might know from before. You should use them to highlight key information later.
1. As Far as I Can Remember
“As far as I can remember” is the best synonym you can use. It is much less jarring than “for as long as I can remember,” and it shows that you’ve thought hard about something in the past.
You should use this phrase in professional and informal contexts to relate back to something you knew before.
- As far as I can remember, we didn’t have any problems at the start. As much as it breaks my heart, I think we are finally over.
- As far as I can remember, there wasn’t much left for me to discuss with you. I think I’ve covered all the points I had.
- As far as I can remember, you were the only person who told me the truth. That’s why I’m coming to you now for help.
2. From What I Can Remember
“From what I can remember” is a great way to look back at something. It allows someone to understand what you remember about a situation. It’s a great way of sharing your knowledge with them.
It might also encourage someone to help you fill in the gaps. Nobody’s memory is perfect, so it might help to have a few people remember the same event to get the full details.
- From what I can remember, this wasn’t the only time that something like this occurred. I’m certain it’s happened before.
- From what I can remember, the relationship was ropey from the get-go. I’m not sure if I ever want anything to do with you again.
- From what I can remember, there weren’t many reasons why you should feel like this about me. It seems like your problem.
3. From What I Recall
“From what I recall” is a slightly more formal phrase you can use. It’s a great alternative because it shows what you remember when looking back at a situation.
It’s a great choice if you’re not entirely certain about something, but you want to provide as much information as you can.
- From what I recall, I had a few issues that I raised with you. It’s not my fault that you decided to ignore them when I did that.
- From what I recall, there were some people here that wanted to talk to you. I don’t remember what they wanted, though.
- From what I recall, she mentioned things like this before, but nothing ever came of it. I wonder if she sorted herself out.
4. Based on What I Know
“Based on what I know” is a great phrase you can use. It shows that you’re giving someone all the information you know without stating that you have all the facts. This lets someone know there may be gaps in your knowledge.
It can be difficult to be completely confident in the information you possess. That’s why phrases like this are useful to allow someone to fill in any gaps or correct any errors.
- Based on what I know, you are not the only person who is struggling right now. Believe me. You are not alone.
- Based on what I know, this is the only time that something like this has happened. I don’t know if we have a protocol in place.
- Based on what I know, he will come back to tell you more. I know he’s keen to learn from you, so I hope you give him the time of day.
5. From What I Know
“From what I know” is another great way to show what you remember without showing you know everything. It shows that you are willing to learn more about something if it turns out you’re speaking to someone who knows more.
- From what I know, there have only been a few issues in her past. However, those issues were quite serious, and she paid for them.
- From what I know, the company is not hiring new people. They do not trust any of the candidates that apply for their job.
- From what I know, my relationship with her was always great. I have no idea why she decided to end things so suddenly.
6. As Far as I Can Tell
“As far as I can tell” is a deductive phrase you can use. It works best when you come to a conclusion based on the information you’ve been given. It’s a great way to show that you’ve worked something out for yourself.
- As far as I can tell, you and I are done. I have no reason to talk to you again because you have completely betrayed my trust.
- As far as I can tell, this isn’t the end of it. I think there are going to be some interesting problems raised moving forward.
- As far as I can tell, she had this coming. I knew that she was doing some bad things, but I didn’t realize quite how bad they were.
7. As Far as I’m Aware
“As far as I’m aware” is a simple way to show someone what you know without being too confident about it. “Aware” is used here to show that you have some information, but you might not have everything that someone is asking for.
- As far as I’m aware, this isn’t the first time he’s gotten away with something like that. I will keep an eye on him now.
- As far as I’m aware, there were no other issues. I’ll let you know if I find out anything else that might help us understand more.
- As far as I’m aware, you have a lot of explaining to do if you want to convince her that you like her. I think you should start right away.
8. Looking Back
“Looking back” is a simple alternative showing that you’re looking at things that happened before. It’s a great phrase that relates to hindsight, showing that something might not have been clear until you looked back on it.
Generally, “looking back” will be followed by a clause that explains something you didn’t know. You might say, “looking back, I knew something was wrong.” At the time, you might not have known about it, but it’s much clearer in the present.
- Looking back, you weren’t the only one making mistakes. I noticed that I made a few errors in the past, and I apologize for those.
- Looking back, I could have told you about this sooner. I was wilfully blind to the situation, which is entirely my fault.
- Looking back, I had a hunch that this wasn’t working out. I just wish there was something I could do to fix the problems.
9. Historically
“Historically” is a great synonym you can use. It shows how someone or something acted in “history” (meaning “the past”). It’s a great way to relate back to how you remember things.
- Historically, she has suffered from mental health issues. I think you should give her the benefit of the doubt and help her, though.
- Historically, these problems are deep-rooted in this society. I’m not sure if we’ll ever find a way to get rid of them.
- Historically, they were not in a happy relationship. There were too many issues on both of their parts that they couldn’t get over.
10. Saying That
“Saying that” is an informal alternative that allows you to remember something that contradicts what you’ve said. It’s most commonly seen after a sentence that indicates some information. “Saying that” provides a counterpoint that you’ve come up with yourself.
- Saying that, maybe there were a few things that could have changed. I only wish there was something we could do to fix this.
- Saying that, she wasn’t going to tell me about it because she never told me about anything. I don’t know why I trust her.
- Saying that, there have been a few issues in the past that I brushed over. I’ll have to look back into them to see what happened.
11. Come To Think of It
“Come to think of it” is another great informal phrase you can use. It shows that you’ve taken the time to think things through and come to a different conclusion based on your knowledge.
- Come to think of it; maybe I was in the wrong. I thought that I was right, but I think I’ve had time to reflect.
- Come to think of it, you can’t be the only person who thought about this. I know that a few other people have wondered the same thing.
- Come to think of it; there was a time when I was much happier. I only wish that time comes around again soon.