mark the anniversary

USAGE SUMMARY

"mark the anniversary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing an occasion where people remember or celebrate a specific event that happened in the past, such as a birthday or similar milestone. For example, "We will be marking the anniversary of John's graduation with a celebration".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No formal ceremonies will mark the anniversary.

The New York Times

France will this week mark the anniversary of the attack.

The Guardian

The Square had been transformed to mark the anniversary.

The New Yorker

Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day was established in 1953 to mark the anniversary of the uprising.

The New York Times

To mark the anniversary, Paris Plages will be genuinely a plage for the first time.

Independent

The BBC is set to announce how it plans to mark the anniversary.

Independent

Earlier, David Cameron issued a statement to mark the anniversary of the conflict.

Independent

Meanwhile, huge rallies were held across Iran to mark the anniversary of the Islamic revolution.

The Economist

It would be apt to mark the anniversary by welcoming Russia back into the European fold.

The Economist

All these efforts to mark the anniversary are double-edged: commemorations composed by the culpable.

The New Yorker

A series of events is planned to mark the anniversary of the war.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive or solemn anniversaries, ensure the tone and actions appropriately reflect the nature of the event being remembered. Consider the emotional impact on those directly affected.

Common error

Avoid generic phrases when describing how an anniversary is marked. Instead of saying "events were held", specify the types of events and their significance to provide a more vivid and meaningful portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mark the anniversary" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action taken to acknowledge a specific date. It signifies the recognition or commemoration of an event that occurred in the past. Ludwig provides numerous examples from diverse sources illustrating its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mark the anniversary" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of acknowledging a significant date. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by numerous examples primarily from news and media outlets. When using this phrase, ensure that the actions taken to "mark the anniversary" are appropriate for the event being commemorated. Alternatives such as "commemorate the anniversary" or "observe the anniversary" can add nuanced meaning depending on the context. Avoiding generic descriptions and focusing on specific details will enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commemorate the anniversary

Replaces 'mark' with 'commemorate', emphasizing a more formal and respectful remembrance.

celebrate the anniversary

Uses 'celebrate' instead of 'mark', suggesting a more joyous or festive acknowledgment.

observe the anniversary

Replaces 'mark' with 'observe', indicating a more solemn or reflective acknowledgment.

recognize the anniversary

Emphasizes the act of acknowledging and remembering the anniversary.

acknowledge the anniversary

Highlights the act of formally recognizing the importance of the anniversary.

honor the anniversary

Suggests a more respectful and dignified way of remembering the anniversary.

remember the anniversary

Focuses on the act of remembering the event that the anniversary commemorates.

pay tribute to the anniversary

Involves showing respect and admiration on the occasion of the anniversary.

commemorate the occasion

Broader; replaces "anniversary" with "occasion", suitable for any significant event.

memorialize the anniversary

Suggests creating a lasting memorial to remember the anniversary.

FAQs

What does it mean to "mark the anniversary" of an event?

To "mark the anniversary" means to acknowledge or commemorate a specific event that occurred on that date in a previous year, often through ceremonies, special events, or observances.

How can I "mark the anniversary" of a personal event?

You can "mark the anniversary" of a personal event through private reflection, gatherings with loved ones, creating a memorial, or engaging in activities that honor the memory of the event.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "mark the anniversary"?

You can use alternatives such as "commemorate the anniversary", "celebrate the anniversary", or "observe the anniversary" depending on the context and tone you wish to convey.

Is "mark the anniversary" formal or informal language?

"Mark the anniversary" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though the specific actions taken to mark the anniversary may vary in formality.