commemorate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commemorate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of honoring or remembering a person, event, or situation, often in a formal or ceremonial context. Example: "We gather every year to commemorate the sacrifices made by our veterans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reason they have dropped so far is a planned parade to commemorate two IRA men who blew themselves up transporting a bomb into the town almost 40 years ago.

The Guardian

Fifty years later the Irish Republic will commemorate the rebellion with equal national enthusiasm but with most of its population more concerned with the huge debts bestowed upon the current generation than the imperative of the "dead generations" urging it on to take back the north of Ireland and fulfil its historic mission towards unity.

The Guardian

Directly over the river from Govan, on the north bank, the restored Clyde-built tall ship Glenlee is hosting an arts event to commemorate 100 years since the loss of another ship built here, the Lusitania, torpedoed and sunk in 1915, leaving 1,198 dead.

The Guardian

The other climbs in Sheffield on the route are named after the villages they skirt: Côte de Midhopestones, which has gradients of between 9% and 15%; Côte de Bradfield, which includes a 20% stretch; and Côte d'Oughtibridge, known locally as 'Jawbone Hill' because (according to VeloViewer) the actual jawbones of a whale once spanned the road to commemorate the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

The Guardian

The Google Trekker project is the result of a collaboration between Linblad Expeditions and National Geographic to commemorate the centenary of Shackleton's extraordinary expedition.

The Guardian - Travel

When Europe's leaders gather at a Flanders field next Thursday to commemorate the mass slaughter of a generation of young European men in the first world war, they will want to avoid another battle, particularly one between Britain and Germany.

The Guardian

Obama is due to speak at Nike's headquarters in Portland later on Friday, where he will be given a one-of-a-kind pair of red, white and blue "Air Force One" sneakers [trainers] to commemorate the visit.

The Guardian - Business

We'd also like to hear how you commemorate the anniversary – and if you are doing anything special to mark the centenary.

The Guardian

It has ostensibly been organised to commemorate the anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial in 1971 as well as highlighting the case of republican dissident prisoners currently held in jails here and abroad.

The Guardian

In Bénouville, however, his memory lives on; as well as the plaques and a large brass bust of Howard, the museum has been built on Avenue du Major Howard, where on Friday the few veterans still able to make the pilgrimage, along with the families and relatives of those who cannot, will return to Pegasus Bridge to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Normandy landings.

The Guardian

A friendly against Hungary was arranged to commemorate the occasion, featuring several of the players who had made the Elche meeting so memorable.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commemorate" when you want to formally honor or remember an event, person, or idea. It is suitable for official ceremonies, historical events, and important anniversaries.

Common error

Avoid using "commemorate" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler words like "remember" or "mark" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "commemorate" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating the person, event, or idea being honored. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse contexts, ranging from news reports to academic discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commemorate" is a transitive verb used to formally honor or remember significant events, people, or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, this word is used correctly and is applicable in written English. It's most common in news and formal contexts, highlighting its role in preserving memory and demonstrating respect. When writing, use "commemorate" for significant anniversaries and official events, and avoid overuse in casual conversation. Alternatives include "honor the memory of" and "pay tribute to". Therefore, "commemorate" is a word with a high degree of applicability and is quite safe to be used as a better, more formal alternative of words like "remember" or "celebrate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

honor the memory of

Focuses on respecting and remembering someone or something.

pay tribute to

Highlights showing respect and admiration.

memorialize

Emphasizes creating a lasting memorial.

celebrate the anniversary of

Specifically marks the date of an event.

mark the occasion of

Highlights noting or acknowledging a particular event.

observe

Implies a more solemn or formal acknowledgement.

remember with reverence

Focuses on deep respect and honor.

immortalize

Suggests making something or someone eternally famous.

dedicate to the memory of

Implies setting something aside to honor a memory.

solemnize

Emphasizes the formal and serious nature of the remembrance.

FAQs

How to use "commemorate" in a sentence?

Use "commemorate" to describe formally remembering or honoring an event, person, or idea. For example, "The monument was built to commemorate the soldiers who died in the war."

What can I say instead of "commemorate"?

You can use alternatives like "honor the memory of", "pay tribute to", or "memorialize" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "commemorate for"?

No, it is generally incorrect to say "commemorate for". The correct usage is "commemorate" followed by the person, event, or idea being honored, such as "commemorate the anniversary".

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

"Commemorate" implies a more solemn and respectful remembrance, often of something serious or historical, while "celebrate" implies joyful recognition or festivity. You commemorate a war, but celebrate a birthday.