evokes the memory of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "evokes the memory of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that brings back memories or reminds someone of a past experience or event. Example: "The old photograph evokes the memory of summer vacations spent at the beach with family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Paddlefish roe cannot, however, be confused with the luxury variety, although this caviar communicates the intention of luxury and evokes the memory of it.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It definitely evokes the memory of 9/11," he said, "and doesn't seem to have any connection with the message it is promoting".

The New York Times

Among older readers and reporters, at least, the newspaper still evokes the memory of its one-time Canadian owner, Lord Beaverbrook, who built it into the undisputed emblem of middle-class, patriotic Britain before his death in 1964.

The New York Times

Ted Williams's death on Friday, four days before the All-Star Game, evokes the memory of what happened at the 1999 midseason classic, when a generation that never saw Williams play for 19 years with the Boston Red Sox could witness something special on Fox.

The New York Times - Sports

He seems to be moved when Mustafa Qadir Mustafa, Kurdistan's minister of Peshmerga affairs, evokes the memory of Danielle Mitterrand, who was a great friend of the valiant Kurdish people.

Huffington Post

However, despite all this evidence in support of Schubert's borrowing from Beethoven, "he evokes the memory of Beethoven and the classical style, but is no docile follower", as Alfred Brendel points out.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It evokes the memories of our childhood in our country and our families," says Arvizu, whose voice gets dreamy when describing the capirotada  of boyhood.

Los Angeles Times

Through it all, Kennedy evoked the memory of what had happened the year before in Dallas.

The New York Times

Only the gap between his teeth evoked the memory of Francisco Hernandez Fernandez.

The New Yorker

During the trial, prosecutors repeatedly evoked the memory of the dead agent, eliciting testimony on his brutal torture and death.

The New York Times

For some the Concorde disaster evoked the memory of the destruction of an earlier legendary trans-Atlantic vessel.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "evokes the memory of" when you want to emphasize a strong emotional or sensory connection to a past event or experience.

Common error

Avoid using "evokes the memory of" when a simple "reminds me of" suffices. This phrase is best reserved for instances where the connection is profound or deeply meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evokes the memory of" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a specific memory or past experience. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it connecting current stimuli to past recollections, like a photograph evoking a childhood home.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "evokes the memory of" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to connect a present stimulus with a specific past experience, often with an emotional impact. It's most frequently found in News & Media, according to Ludwig's analysis, with neutral to formal register. While not incorrect in casual conversation, it lends itself better to more sophisticated writing. For alternatives, consider "brings back memories of" or "reminds me of" for simpler contexts, but retain "evokes the memory of" when a strong, meaningful connection is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brings back memories of

This alternative directly suggests the return of past experiences or feelings.

calls to mind

This option suggests a prompting of thought or remembrance.

reminds one of

This phrase indicates a similarity between the current subject and a past memory.

conjures up the image of

This implies a vivid mental picture is created.

reminiscent of

This phrase describes something that shares qualities with a past memory.

awakens recollections of

This suggests a stirring or revival of forgotten memories.

stimulates memories of

This highlights the activation of past memories.

harks back to

This implies a connection to a past time or event.

is evocative of

This phrase emphasizes the power to bring forth emotions and memories.

intimates recollections of

This subtly suggests a link to past memories.

FAQs

What does "evokes the memory of" mean?

It means something brings back a past event, person, or experience into one's mind, often with strong feelings or associations.

How can I use "evokes the memory of" in a sentence?

For example: "The old photograph "evokes the memory of" my childhood home."

What can I say instead of "evokes the memory of"?

You can use alternatives like "brings back memories of", "reminds me of", or "calls to mind" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "evokes memories" or "evokes the memory of"?

"Evokes memories" is acceptable, but ""evokes the memory of"" is more specific and often used when referring to a particular memory or event.