To commemorate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To commemorate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the act of honoring or remembering a person, event, or occasion, often in a formal context. Example: "We gather here today to commemorate the sacrifices made by our heroes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

To commemorate - inevitably - the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The Guardian

To commemorate his upcoming.

Forbes

To commemorate "absence," as in Arad's proposal?

Huffington Post

A photographer wanted to commemorate the moment.

The New York Times

A shot to commemorate the final gig?

The New York Times

No wonder few want to commemorate 1970.

The New York Times

What could they do to commemorate?

The New York Times

Salcedo made them to commemorate Colombia's disappeared.

The Guardian - Arts

Radical forms to commemorate a revolutionary past.

The New York Times - Arts

Our need to commemorate catastrophe runs deep.

The New York Times

Still, he left behind much to commemorate.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to commemorate", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are honoring or remembering. Be specific about the person, event, or idea you're commemorating to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to commemorate" in overly casual or informal situations. Opt for simpler phrases like "to remember" or "to celebrate" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to commemorate" functions as an infinitive verb phrase that typically introduces a purpose or intention. It is used to express the reason for performing an action, such as holding a ceremony or creating a memorial, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Huffington Post

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to commemorate" is a versatile phrase used to express the intention to honor or remember a significant person, event, or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, particularly in news and media. While predominantly neutral to formal, ensure appropriateness for context, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Consider related phrases like "in remembrance of" or "to pay tribute to" for nuanced expression. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "to commemorate" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In remembrance of

Focuses specifically on remembering someone or something, often with a sense of reverence or respect.

In honor of

Emphasizes respect and admiration for someone or something, often used in celebratory contexts.

To pay tribute to

Suggests a formal act of showing respect and gratitude, often involving a ceremony or gesture.

To memorialize

Focuses on creating a lasting memory, often through a physical object or structure.

To celebrate

Highlights the joyous aspect of remembering an event or person, often with festivities.

To mark the occasion

Indicates a specific point in time being remembered, often with a particular action or event.

To perpetuate the memory of

Emphasizes the desire to keep the memory alive for future generations.

To keep alive the memory of

Focuses on actively maintaining the memory of someone or something, preventing it from fading.

To immortalize

Implies making someone or something famous and remembered forever, often through artistic or literary means.

As a remembrance of

Functions as a memento or reminder of a person or event, often with personal significance.

FAQs

How do I use "to commemorate" in a sentence?

Use "to commemorate" to introduce the reason for an action that honors or remembers a person, event, or idea. For example, "We gather today "to commemorate" the veterans" or "A statue was erected "to commemorate" the historic event".

What phrases can I use instead of "to commemorate"?

Alternatives include "to honor", "to remember", "to celebrate", "to memorialize", or "to pay tribute to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to commemorate" or "in memory of"?

"To commemorate" is used to mark or remember an event or person through a ceremony or object, while "in memory of" is specifically used to honor someone who has died. Therefore, use "in memory of" when specifically remembering someone deceased, and "to commemorate" for broader applications.

What is the difference between "to commemorate" and "to celebrate"?

"To commemorate" emphasizes remembering and honoring, often with a sense of solemnity or respect. "To celebrate", on the other hand, focuses on joyous acknowledgment and festivities. While both involve recognition, their emotional connotations differ significantly. You might "to commemorate" a war and "to celebrate" a victory.