in observance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in observance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate compliance with or respect for a particular event, tradition, or rule. Example: "The office will be closed in observance of the national holiday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was in observance of Loyalty Day..

The New Yorker

Negotiators also took Thursday off in observance of Rosh Hashanah.

The New York Times - Sports

Markets are closed today in observance of Good Friday.

The New York Times

The stock markets were closed yesterday in observance of Christmas.

The New York Times

(The market was closed Friday in observance of Good Friday).

The New York Times

European markets were closed in observance of Easter Monday.

The New York Times

It is in observance of National Day, October 1st.

The New Yorker

The embassy was closed Monday in observance of Presidents' Day and Tuesday in observance of Carnival Day, a national holiday in Panama.

The New York Times

The markets were closed on Monday in observance of Washington's Birthday.

The New York Times

Many businesses shut down early on Friday, in observance of Saturday as the Sabbath.

The New York Times

It is a lavish volume published by Knopf in observance of the company's 25th anniversary.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in observance" to denote a specific action taken in recognition of a holiday, event, or tradition. It clearly indicates that an action is being performed out of respect or adherence to something.

Common error

Avoid using "in observance" when merely acknowledging an event without taking specific action. For example, instead of saying "They mentioned the holiday in observance", say "They mentioned the holiday" if no specific action was taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in observance" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the reason or purpose behind an action. Ludwig AI shows this phrase commonly introduces explanations for closures, special events, or adjusted schedules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in observance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to explain or justify an action by linking it to a recognized event, holiday, or tradition. As noted by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in news and media contexts, often clarifying closures or schedule changes. Alternative phrases like "in recognition of" or "in honor of" can be used to convey a similar meaning, though "in observance" typically carries a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects that an action is indeed being taken due to the event, rather than simply mentioning it. Remember that proper usage involves connecting the phrase to a specific action or inaction driven by respect for a particular event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in recognition of

Replaces "observance" with "recognition", emphasizing acknowledgement rather than adherence.

in commemoration of

Substitutes "observance" with "commemoration", highlighting the act of remembering an event or person.

in honor of

Substitutes "observance" with "honor", emphasizing respect and esteem.

in celebration of

Replaces "observance" with "celebration", focusing on joyful acknowledgement.

to mark the occasion of

Uses a different structure to convey a similar meaning, emphasizing the act of noting a specific event.

out of respect for

Emphasizes the feeling of respect as the primary motivation for the action.

to acknowledge

A more direct replacement, emphasizing acknowledging and giving importance to the event.

to respect

A more direct replacement, emphasizing respecting the event or rule.

pursuant to

A more formal alternative, typically used in legal or official contexts, indicating action taken in accordance with a rule or guideline.

in accordance with

Focuses on compliance and conformity with rules or standards, rather than the act of observing.

FAQs

What does "in observance of" mean?

The phrase "in observance of" means to act in accordance with a tradition, custom, law, or holiday, usually by refraining from certain activities or performing specific actions to honor it.

What can I say instead of "in observance of"?

You can use alternatives like "in recognition of", "in commemoration of", or "in honor of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in observance to" instead of "in observance of"?

No, the correct phrase is "in observance of". The preposition "of" is necessary to properly connect the observance with the event or tradition being honored.

How is "in observance of" different from "in celebration of"?

"In observance of" generally implies a more formal or respectful acknowledgment, often involving specific actions or restrictions. "In celebration of" typically indicates a joyful or festive recognition.