commemorating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commemorating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of honoring or remembering a person, event, or occasion, often in a formal or ceremonial context. Example: "The community held a ceremony commemorating the lives lost in the tragedy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were sets for spinsters, boxes commemorating the First World War (contents: naval and military headdress, iron crosses, a Kaiser moustache and shells), even crackers for Masons.

The Guardian

Others wore old Oilers caps, commemorating a team that left Houston for Nashville in the late 1990s after failing to get a new stadium.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Crimea's prime minister issued a decree forbidding all public demonstrations until 6 June, in an apparent attempt to prevent the annual rally on Sunday commemorating Stalin's deportation of the Tatars in 1944.

The Guardian

They seek to rehabilitate the Stasi, sue the state about pensions denied to former servants of the regime, and aggressively campaign against commemorating its victims – often in the name of human rights (of those who see themselves as on the losing side of history after 1990).

The Guardian - Opinion

Addressing tens of thousands of supporters on Hungary's national day, commemorating the 1848-49 uprising against Habsburg rule, the prime minister rounded on eurocrats whom he accused of illegitimate interference in the country.

The Guardian

There were Broadway plays such as Brighton Beach Memoirs and Biloxi Blues, commemorating the honor, frugality, and innocence of the World War II years.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Queen will not attend the main events commemorating the formal end of the second world war in Europe on 8 May in order to remain "one step removed" from coalition talks that could follow the previous day's general election.

The Guardian

As every schoolboy used to know, tomorrow is Trafalgar Day, commemorating Nelson's 1805 naval victory which secured British domination of the world's oceans for more than 100 years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sinn Féin - which also wants a permanent museum on the site, commemorating the Maze's role in the history of the Troubles - and the SDLP have been in favour of building the ground.

The Guardian

Their 35-year-history encompasses political protest, eclectic collaborations and provocative performance – all of which come together in DS30, a stirring work commemorating the miners' strike.

The Guardian - Film

I asked Maynard, grandson of the early Indigenous activist Fred Maynard, what importance he attached to commemorating events like Myall Creek.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commemorating", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being remembered or honored. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "commemorating" in very casual or informal situations. The word carries a tone of formality and solemnity, so opt for simpler terms like "remembering" or "marking" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The word "commemorating" functions primarily as a present participle, often used to modify nouns or function as part of a continuous verb tense. As seen in Ludwig, it indicates an ongoing action of remembering and honoring someone or something. For example, "a ceremony commemorating the lives lost."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "commemorating" is a grammatically correct present participle, primarily used to convey the act of formally remembering or honoring a person, event, or idea. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. The linguistic analysis confirms its function as a modifier or part of a continuous verb tense. While "commemorating" is generally used correctly, it's best reserved for formal situations to maintain the appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

honoring the memory of

Emphasizes respect and reverence for the deceased or the past event, placing greater weight on the emotional aspect.

remembering with reverence

Highlights the act of recalling with deep respect and solemnity, focusing on the emotional and spiritual dimension of remembrance.

paying tribute to

Implies a formal acknowledgment and expression of gratitude or respect, often through a specific act or gesture.

marking the anniversary of

Specifically denotes the observance of a yearly recurrence of an event, emphasizing the temporal aspect.

observing in remembrance of

Stresses the act of formally noting and reflecting on someone or something from the past, often with a sense of solemnity.

celebrating the legacy of

Focuses on the lasting impact and influence of a person or event, adding a positive and celebratory tone.

memorializing the life of

Emphasizes the creation of a lasting physical or symbolic representation of a person's existence.

dedicating in honor of

Suggests a formal act of setting something apart to show respect and admiration for someone.

recognizing the significance of

Highlights the acknowledgment and understanding of the importance or value of an event or person.

committing to the memory of

Implies a conscious and deliberate act of preserving the memory of someone or something, suggesting an ongoing commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "commemorating" in a sentence?

Use "commemorating" to describe an action that honors or remembers a person, event, or occasion. For example, "The city held a parade "commemorating the veterans"".

What are some alternatives to "commemorating"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "honoring", "remembering", "marking", or "celebrating".

Is it appropriate to use "commemorating" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "commemorating" is generally more suited for formal or official contexts. In casual conversation, alternatives like "remembering" or "marking" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "commemorating" and "celebrating"?

"Commemorating" implies a more solemn and respectful remembrance, often of a significant historical event or person. "Celebrating", on the other hand, suggests a joyous and festive occasion.