a monument to

USAGE SUMMARY

"a monument to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize a tribute, commemoration, or celebration of someone, something, or an event. For example: "The city unveiled a monument to honor all of the veterans who served in the war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A monument to dead factories".

The New York Times

She was a monument to me".

The New Yorker

The building is a monument to fraud.

The New Yorker

IT IS a monument to defeat.

The Economist

A "monument to pituitary dystrophy.

The Guardian - Books

It is a monument to pure violence.

The Guardian

It is a monument to piffle.

The Guardian - Arts

Conseco is a monument to the past.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a monument to sailors.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What is it a monument to?

The New Yorker

Above, a monument to the famine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "monument." It can suggest permanence and grandeur, so use it when those qualities are appropriate for the subject. For example, it works well with "a monument to peace" or "a monument to innovation."

Common error

Avoid using "a monument to" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a formal tone and can sound overly dramatic or pretentious if used inappropriately. For example, saying "My messy room is a monument to procrastination" might be humorous, but is not a good usage of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a monument to" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a predicate nominative or an appositive, identifying or renaming a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It often follows a linking verb (e.g., is, was) to attribute significance or representational value to a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a monument to" serves as a powerful means of commemorating or honoring something significant. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage and wide acceptance in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media, it carries a mostly neutral tone but is suitable for more formal contexts. To ensure effective communication, use it when you aim to convey the lasting impact or importance of a subject, such as "the library is a monument to the power of knowledge". Be mindful of avoiding overuse in casual conversation and remember that "a monument to" signifies something of importance and worth. Alternatives like "a tribute to" or "a testament to" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A tribute to

Replaces "monument" with "tribute", focusing on showing respect or admiration.

A testament to

Uses "testament" to emphasize evidence or proof of something's existence or quality.

A memorial to

Substitutes "monument" with "memorial", specifically highlighting remembrance of the deceased or a past event.

A symbol of

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on something that represents an idea or quality.

In honor of

Directly expresses the act of honoring someone or something.

Dedicated to

Highlights the act of consecrating or assigning something for a specific purpose or person.

Commemorating

Uses a verb form to emphasize the act of remembering and celebrating.

A lasting reminder of

Focuses on the enduring nature of the remembrance.

An enduring symbol of

Combines the concepts of lasting and representation.

Erected in memory of

Specifies the act of building something to remember someone.

FAQs

How can I use "a monument to" in a sentence?

Use "a monument to" to describe something that stands as a reminder or celebration of a person, event, or idea. For example, "The statue is "a monument to" the country's first president".

What are some alternatives to using "a monument to"?

You can use alternatives such as "a tribute to", "a testament to", or "a memorial to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a monument for" instead of "a monument to"?

While "for" can sometimes be used to indicate purpose, "to" is generally preferred and more grammatically correct when indicating what the monument represents or commemorates. Therefore, ""a monument to"" is the standard and recommended usage.

What is the difference between "a monument to" and "a symbol of"?

"A monument to" typically refers to a physical structure created to honor or remember something. "A symbol of", on the other hand, is a broader term referring to anything that represents an idea or quality, whether physical or abstract.