has sentimental value

USAGE SUMMARY

'has sentimental value' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a special item that is important to someone for personal or emotional reasons, rather than for its utility or monetary value. For example, "The bracelet my grandmother gave me has sentimental value to me, so I cherish it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

You might say that it has sentimental value".

The New York Times

The presumption is that the car has sentimental value and consequently is well looked after.

The New York Times

Jewelry, after all, is not a car or a boat; it has sentimental value.

The New York Times

Fisher says a bible – which has sentimental value – and a mobile phone and camera are among the items she wants back.

The Guardian

But he can fix your grandmother's piano too, even if it is not a Steinway but has sentimental value and you want it to look nice.

The New York Times

But if the station has sentimental value, and the cost has people concerned, it may well be the majestic trees of Schlossgarten that will force the powers-that-be to rethink the plan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But the bottle had sentimental value.

The New York Times

She told him it had "sentimental value".

The New York Times - Magazine

Now they had sentimental value.

The New York Times

"The old one had sentimental value.

The New York Times

"We all had sock monkeys as kids," she said, "so they have sentimental value".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing why something "has sentimental value", be specific about the emotions or memories associated with it to create a stronger connection with your reader.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the sentimental value of an object simply to justify keeping it. Be honest about whether the item truly holds significant emotional weight or if you're simply struggling to declutter.

Linguistic Context

Functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to qualify a noun by indicating that it possesses emotional or personal significance beyond its material worth. Ludwig's examples illustrate its common use in describing objects such as jewelry, photographs, or even properties.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has sentimental value" is a common way to describe something important due to personal or emotional reasons, rather than practical or monetary worth. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase is commonly found in contexts such as News & Media and Wiki content. When using "has sentimental value", be specific about the emotions or memories to strengthen the connection with your reader. It's also important to avoid exaggerating the sentimental value of an object simply to justify keeping it. Consider using alternative phrases like "is cherished for its memories" or "possesses personal significance" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is cherished for its memories

Focuses on the act of cherishing the item because of the associated memories.

holds dear memories

Highlights the presence of fond memories linked to the item.

is valued for emotional reasons

Emphasizes the emotional basis for valuing the item.

possesses personal significance

Highlights the unique and personal importance of the object.

is rich in personal history

Focuses on the item's connection to an individual's past experiences.

carries emotional weight

Highlights the emotional impact or significance of the object.

represents treasured moments

Links the item to specific, valuable experiences or periods.

is a keepsake of great importance

Highlights that the item is a memento which must be kept as a treasure.

is priceless to me

Suggests the item is very important and not replaceable for the concerned person.

has deep personal meaning

Stresses the individual and profound importance of the item.

FAQs

How can I use "has sentimental value" in a sentence?

You can use "has sentimental value" to describe an object that is important because of personal or emotional connections, rather than monetary worth. For example, "This old photograph has sentimental value because it reminds me of my childhood."

What's the difference between "has sentimental value" and "is valuable"?

"Has sentimental value" refers to emotional or personal importance, whereas "is valuable" typically refers to monetary or practical worth. An item can "have monetary value" and not "have sentimental value", and vice versa.

What are some alternatives to saying something "has sentimental value"?

You can use alternatives like "is cherished for its memories", "holds dear memories", or "is valued for emotional reasons" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something "had sentimental value"?

Yes, it is correct to use "had sentimental value" when referring to an object that was previously important for emotional reasons but may no longer be. For example, "The old watch had sentimental value, but I lost it."