commemorates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commemorates" 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: "The statue commemorates the soldiers who fought bravely in the war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It commemorates the sectarian murder of my paternal grandfather's brother, who was beaten and stabbed to death by a loyalist mob very close by during the Troubles.

The Guardian

The Garden of Remembrance commemorates those who died in the 1916 Easter Rising and later the War of Independence against the British.

The Guardian

The makeshift shrine to Sadiq Adebiyi is slowly decaying just yards down the road from the beautiful wall-mounted mosaic that commemorates Jean Charles de Menezes, the Brazilian electrician who was killed in the brutal efficiency of a chain of police errors in the wake of the failed 21 July bombings in 2005.

The Guardian - Opinion

Serb nationalists regard Kosovo as the birthplace of their culture, and the most important date in the Serb nationalist calendar commemorates the loss of a 1389 battle to the Ottomans in Kosovo, seen as the beginning of the end for greater Serbia.

The Guardian - Sport

Outside the grounds there's a sculpture that commemorates the day, built in 2012 to mark 50 years of Ugandan independence.

The Guardian

But seemingly with an eye to the history books, he went for broke on Sunday: Labour Day commemorates the start of strikes and unrest in 1938, which left 46 dead and 429 injured.The standoff could be resolved peacefully, as Mr Coke's lawyers are reportedly talking to American officials.

The Economist

It commemorates all of the Nazis' victims, not just Jews, and marks the loss of Hungarian sovereignty, as referred to in the new constitution.

The Economist

Part revolution and part ritual, "Red April" commemorates the killing 11 years ago of 19 landless protestors by police in the Amazonian state of Pará and promotes the martyrs' cause, the redistribution of land.But nowadays much of the activism seems to have little to do with land reform.

The Economist

A statue of him is displayed at the prison in the north-eastern city of Dalian where he was held, now a museum, and Harbin station commemorates the site of the shooting too.

The Economist

The plaque commemorates victims of 1956: not those killed fighting Soviet tanks or hanged after the revolution was crushed.

The Economist

Gang members were his only friends; a tattoo of a skull on his left arm commemorates one whose head was cut off with a machete.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commemorates" when you want to formally acknowledge and honor a significant person, event, or idea, often through a symbolic gesture or lasting tribute.

Common error

Avoid using "commemorates" in casual conversation or informal writing; opt for simpler words like "remembers" or "marks" unless a formal tone is intended.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "commemorates" is that of a transitive verb. It signifies the act of remembering and showing respect for someone or something, typically through a specific action or memorial. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commemorates" is a grammatically sound and widely used transitive verb for formally remembering and honoring significant events, people, or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in news, encyclopedias, and formal contexts. While versatile, avoid overusing it in informal settings where simpler words like "remembers" or "marks" are more appropriate. Remember that "commemorates" is distinct from "celebrates", implying a respectful, sometimes solemn, remembrance rather than joyous recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

memorializes

Specifically creates a lasting memory, often through a monument or ceremony.

honors

Focuses on showing respect and admiration, often in a public way.

immortalizes

Preserves the memory of someone or something forever.

dedicates

Formally commits something to a specific purpose or person in remembrance.

pays tribute to

Expresses respect and gratitude.

remembers

A more general term for keeping someone or something in mind.

enshrines

Holds something sacred and remembers it with deep reverence.

celebrates

Emphasizes joyous recognition and acknowledgment.

observes

Respects or follows a custom or ritual connected to a memory.

marks

Indicates or signifies an event or occasion.

FAQs

How can I use "commemorates" in a sentence?

Use "commemorates" to describe a formal act of remembering or honoring someone or something, such as "The monument "commemorates" the victims of the war".

What are some alternatives to "commemorates"?

You can use alternatives like "honors", "remembers", or "celebrates" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "commemorates" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "commemorates" is generally better suited for formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "marks" or "remembers".

What's the difference between "commemorates" and "celebrates"?

"Commemorates" implies a respectful remembrance, often of a solemn event, while "celebrates" suggests a joyous recognition of something positive. The choice depends on the nature of the event being acknowledged.