for keepsake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'for keepsake' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when something is kept to be remembered or kept as a reminder of a certain moment. For example: "I kept the photograph we took together for keepsake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Once a debate is concluded, candidates shall be permitted to toss articles of clothing, excepting underwear, into the audience for keepsake purposes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Some bystanders resorted to pulling some of its teeth out for keepsakes, the newspaper also reported.

Independent

For keepsakes, I bought a cardboard file box and outfitted it with hanging folders.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the new house, Mr. Kelly says, each member of the family has one box for keepsakes.

The New York Times

He was normal, a good customer.' Outside, the photographer took a few snaps of the bar, just for keepsakes.

The Guardian

On a street corner in Jalalabad, Materullah Farmhada, 15, makes his living with a homemade box camera, taking people's pictures for keepsakes and documents.

The New York Times

And when her closest friends prepared to hold a goodbye lunch in her honor, she asked only for keepsakes and personal mementos.

The New York Times

Woven with papyrus, banana leaf, sisal or bamboo, the collection, $30 to $80, includes a delicate black-and-ivory version of a centuries-old basket shaped like an acorn and traditionally used by brides for keepsakes ($60), far left.

The New York Times

In the days following the death of Ludwig van Beethoven, friends and admirers came to view his body and clip his hair for keepsakes.

Science Magazine

When scavenging their former bedroom for keepsakes, Kate and Maura find their marching-band batons, with which they mime various sex acts.

Vice

The bill has been dubbed the "jewelry bill," because it would allow Denmark to seize possessions over $1400 in value, including jewelry, gold, and silver — though the law makes an exception for keepsakes with sentimental value.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for keepsake" when you want to emphasize the emotional or sentimental value of an item being kept as a reminder of a special event or person.

Common error

Avoid using "for keepsake" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "for future reference" or "for archival purposes" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for keepsake" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the purpose or reason for an action. It specifies why something is being kept or preserved, conveying the intention of remembering or cherishing a particular memory.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for keepsake" serves to highlight the sentimental reasons for preserving something as a reminder. While grammatically correct, as noted by Ludwig, its usage is relatively rare, mainly appearing in news articles and general writing. Alternative phrases such as "as a memento" or "as a souvenir" can offer similar meanings, and the specific context will help you decide on your wording. The user can use "for keepsake" to emphasize the emotional value of an item to make the item stay as reminder of a specific event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a reminder

Directly points to the object's function of prompting a memory.

for remembrance

Emphasizes the act of remembering and the phrase serving as a tool for memory.

as a memento

Focuses on the object serving as a reminder of a person or event.

as a token

Underscores the symbolic representation of something more significant.

as a souvenir

Highlights the object's role as a reminder of a place or experience, often travel-related.

as a memorial

Suggests a more formal and lasting tribute to someone or something.

to commemorate

Focuses on honoring or celebrating a significant event or person.

in memory of

Specifically used to remember someone who has passed away.

to cherish

Highlights the emotional value and care associated with the object or memory.

for posterity

Implies preserving something for future generations to remember.

FAQs

What does "for keepsake" mean?

The phrase "for keepsake" means that something is being kept as a memento or reminder of a person, event, or experience. It implies sentimental value.

How can I use "for keepsake" in a sentence?

You might say, "I'm keeping this old photograph /s/as+a+memento target="_blank" rel="nofollow">as a memento for keepsake" or "She saved the concert ticket /s/as+a+souvenir" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">as a souvenir for keepsake".

What are some alternatives to "for keepsake"?

Alternatives include "as a memento", "as a souvenir", or "for remembrance", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "for a keepsake" or simply "for keepsake"?

Both are correct, but they function differently. "For a keepsake" implies a specific item intended as a memento, while "for keepsake" (without the article 'a') describes the general purpose or intention behind keeping something.