invoke the memory of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "invoke the memory of" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to someone or something being remembered or remembered fondly. For example, "The invocation of the memory of his late father brought tears to his eyes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The new President will almost certainly invoke the memory of Lincoln's life and career at his inauguration.

Independent

Hunger strikes – which invoke the memory of those undertaken by Mahatma Gandhi – are popular political tactics in India and are frequent features of public life.

The Guardian

The Holocaust Museum did not comment directly on Mr. von Brunn's death, but used the occasion to invoke the memory of Mr. Johns.

The New York Times

The movement was boosted by Jamaican prime minister Michael Manley who found it politically useful to invoke the memory of Marcus Garvey in the 70s, and even waved Garvey's "Rod of Correction" during his meetings.

The Guardian - Music

Cameron also used his speech to invoke the memory of Margaret Thatcher to dismiss calls on the Tory right for George Osborne to stimulate economic growth through unfunded tax cuts.

The Guardian

This may have been his "most humble day" but Rupert suddenly strengthened as he interrupted the flow of questioning to invoke the memory of his own father, Keith, "a great journalist"; a paragon who couldn't be touched today.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

So as I said, it's sad: Ponnuru hopes to get Republicans to accept policies they'll never accept, and the only way he knows to make his case is to invoke the memories of a politician from the quite distant past whose policies weren't all that successful in the first place.

The New York Times

While he invoked the memory of Winston Churchill, a member of the audience stung him by invoking the memory of Neville Chamberlain.

The Guardian

Opposing the union, Yossi Beilin, the justice minister, invoked the memory of Yitzhak Rabin, the late prime minister.

The New York Times

He invoked the memory of Tomas Garrigue Masaryk, the revered father of the first Czechoslovak state.

The New York Times

On Monday he invoked the memory of the March on Washington half a century ago.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "invoke the memory of" when you want to formally call to mind a person, event, or idea from the past, especially to inspire or provide context for a current situation.

Common error

Avoid using "invoke the memory of" in casual conversation. It's a formal expression that can sound out of place in informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "remember" or "recall" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "invoke the memory of" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of bringing a particular memory to the forefront of attention, often for a specific purpose. Ludwig examples show it's commonly used in political or historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "invoke the memory of" is a phrase used to formally call to mind a person, event, or idea from the past, especially to inspire or provide context for a current situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, with usage primarily concentrated in news and media contexts. While correct, it is most impactful when used to add a formal flavor to your writing and provide a thoughtful reflection from the past to current conversations. Remember to replace it with simpler alternatives like "remember" or "recall" are more appropriate for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoke the memory of

Uses "evoke" instead of "invoke", conveying a sense of summoning or calling forth a memory.

invoke the legacy of

Substitutes "memory" with "legacy", focusing on the lasting impact rather than just the recollection.

call up the memory of

Uses the phrasal verb "call up" instead of "invoke", which is a more common way of saying it.

utilize the memory of

Replaces "invoke" with "utilize", suggesting a practical application of recalling something.

summon the memory of

Employs "summon" in place of "invoke", suggesting a more forceful or deliberate act of bringing something to mind.

use the memory of

A simpler and more direct alternative to "invoke the memory of".

recalled the memory of

Uses "recalled" rather than "invoke", to suggest a more intentional retrieval of a past moment.

invoke the story of

Replaces "memory" with "story", suggesting a narrative or account is being called to mind.

draw on the memory of

Replaces "invoke" with "draw on", suggesting that the memory is being used as a resource or inspiration.

activate the memory of

Replaces "invoke" with "activate", implying a process of making a memory present or functional.

FAQs

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

You can use "invoke the memory of" to formally bring to mind a past event, person, or idea. For example: "The speaker "invoked the memory of" Martin Luther King Jr. to inspire the audience".

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

You can use alternatives like "evoke the memory of", "call up the memory of", or "draw on the memory of", depending on the desired nuance.

Which is correct, "invoke the memory of" or "evoke the memory of"?

Both "invoke the memory of" and "evoke the memory of" are correct and very similar in meaning. "Invoke" suggests a more deliberate act of calling something to mind, while "evoke" suggests a more emotional or suggestive calling to mind.

What's the difference between "invoke the memory of" and "mention the memory of"?

"Invoke the memory of" implies a deeper purpose than simply "mentioning". To "invoke" suggests using the memory for inspiration, justification, or emotional effect. "Mention the memory of" is a more neutral, less purposeful reference.