invoking the memory of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "invoking the memory of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of bringing to mind or recalling someone or something from the past, often in a nostalgic or respectful context. Example: "The film does an excellent job of invoking the memory of the struggles faced by the previous generation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

This, she says, again invoking the memory of her childhood friend, "has happened in a generation".

The Guardian

After invoking the memory of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Mr. Obama closed with a passionate, eloquent appeal for common ground.

The New York Times - Arts

The Americans, invoking the memory of the horrors of Rwanda a decade ago, have less coyly called it a genocide.

The Economist

Mr. Obama concluded by invoking the memory of the many Jews who joined the American civil rights struggle, and referred to the fraying of that alliance.

The New York Times

Godson accused them of "a certain form of left McCarthyism" and of deliberately invoking the memory of the Holocaust to harm the Tories.

The Guardian

By invoking the memory of the president best remembered for confronting fascism, Mr. Obama was explicitly arguing that diplomacy and talk are the opposite of appeasement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Maybe he thinks that invoking the memories of Lee and Jackson, the Southern battlefield commanders, will help his cause.

The New Yorker

Invoking the memories of the office workers, police officers and firefighters who perished in September, a parade of Democrats attacked the proposed tort changes.

The New York Times

Speaking in Clearwater, Mr. Edwards chided President Bush for invoking the memories of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy in an effort to woo Democratic voters.

The New York Times

He plays his generational politics explicitly, constantly invoking the memories of the Kennedys and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and stirring Democratic audiences with his promise to lead the nation through a new era of social change.

The New York Times

Proponents of David Cameron's austerity often defend it by invoking the memories of the 1970s with its runaway inflation, deficits and the humiliation of an International Monetary Fund bail-out.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "invoking the memory of" to add emotional depth to your writing, especially when discussing personal experiences or significant cultural moments.

Common error

Avoid using "invoking the memory of" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "remembering" or "recalling" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "invoking the memory of" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a reference to a past event, person, or idea. It's used to bring a specific memory into the present context, often to add weight, emotional resonance, or historical perspective to an argument or narrative. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "invoking the memory of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to connect past events or figures with present contexts, often to add emotional weight or historical perspective. Predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, it maintains a neutral to formal register. While its use is generally correct, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Alternative phrases like "recalling the memory of" or "evoking the memory of" can provide variety, but "invoking the memory of" remains a powerful tool for persuasive and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recalling the memory of

Emphasizes the act of bringing a memory back to mind, similar to "invoking", but less formal.

evoking the memory of

Focuses on creating a feeling or image associated with the memory, similar in tone and formality.

referencing the memory of

Highlights the act of making a direct reference to a past event or person, slightly more direct.

calling to mind the memory of

A more descriptive way of saying bringing something from the past into present awareness.

drawing upon the memory of

Suggests utilizing a past event or person as a source of inspiration or justification.

harking back to the memory of

Implies a nostalgic return to a past event or person, adding a sense of longing.

alluding to the memory of

Suggests an indirect reference to a past event or person, leaving room for interpretation.

commemorating the memory of

Focuses on honoring and remembering a past event or person, often with a sense of reverence.

remembering the legacy of

Highlights the lasting impact and significance of a past event or person.

reflecting on the history of

Implies a thoughtful consideration of past events and their implications.

FAQs

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

Use "invoking the memory of" to connect a past event or person with a current situation, aiming to elicit a specific emotion or understanding. For instance, "invoking the memory of Martin Luther King can lend weight to arguments about civil rights."

What are some alternatives to "invoking the memory of"?

Alternatives include "recalling the memory of", "evoking the memory of", or simply "remembering", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "invoking the memory of" and "referencing the memory of"?

"Invoking the memory of" often suggests a more emotional or symbolic connection, while "referencing the memory of" is a more direct and factual reference to a past event or person.

When is it appropriate to use "invoking the memory of" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to create a strong connection between the past and present, particularly in persuasive writing, speeches, or historical analyses. It adds gravitas and emotional resonance.