as a keepsake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a keepsake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an object that is kept for the sake of memory or sentimental value. Example: "She kept the old locket as a keepsake of her grandmother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cassidy held onto the puck as a keepsake.

The New York Times - Sports

When Wayne died, Lewis got the bracelet as a keepsake.

The New York Times - Books

"So they take on extra special meaning as a keepsake".

The New York Times

Freud gets a framed copy as a keepsake.

The Guardian

She put a handful of Wharton's rich topsoil in a Ziploc bag as a keepsake.

The New York Times

— His teammates have talked about framing a picture of the shot as a keepsake.

The New York Times - Sports

After Ailey died in 1989, Mr. Chaya kept one of his choreographic notebooks as a keepsake.

The New York Times - Arts

Twelve were reproduced in a portfolio as a keepsake, which is still available.

Princeton University

Later, the Graphic Arts collection used it as a keepsake for their friends.

Princeton University

He threw it in the garbage, Ms. Nelson said, but she recovered it as a keepsake.

The New York Times

Perhaps he had a vial or two in his basement as a keepsake".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific alternatives like "memento" or "souvenir" if the context warrants a more precise meaning.

Common error

While "as a keepsake" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or professional writing. Opt for alternatives like "memento" or "item of historical significance" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a keepsake" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the purpose for which something is kept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, with examples showing it describing why items are saved for sentimental reasons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a keepsake" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe the purpose of retaining an object for sentimental reasons. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides ample examples from diverse sources. While it's generally acceptable, consider the context when choosing this phrase, as more formal alternatives like "memento" or "item of sentimental value" might be more appropriate in certain situations. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, with a lower representation in academic and wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a memento

This alternative emphasizes the role of the item as a reminder of a past event or person.

as a souvenir

This alternative suggests an item acquired during a trip or event to remember it.

as a remembrance

This alternative focuses on the act of remembering and the item's purpose in aiding memory.

as a memorial

This alternative highlights the item's role in commemorating someone or something.

as a reminder

This alternative directly states the item's function of prompting recollection.

to remember it by

This phrase indicates the intention behind acquiring the item.

for sentimental reasons

This alternative emphasizes the emotional value attached to the item.

as a token of remembrance

This alternative adds a formal tone, emphasizing the item as a symbol of memory.

as a symbol of memory

This alternative focuses on the symbolic role of the item in representing a past event or relationship.

to cherish the memory

This alternative focuses on preserving and valuing the memory associated with the item.

FAQs

What does "as a keepsake" mean?

The phrase "as a keepsake" refers to something that is kept to remember a person, place, or event. It implies sentimental value.

What can I say instead of "as a keepsake"?

You can use alternatives like "as a memento", "as a souvenir", or "as a remembrance" depending on the context.

How do I use "as a keepsake" in a sentence?

You can use "as a keepsake" to describe the purpose of keeping an item. For example: "She held onto the ticket stub as a keepsake of their first date."

Is it appropriate to use "as a keepsake" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as a keepsake" might sound too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "memento" or "item of sentimental value" for a more professional tone.