memorial

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "memorial" can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is done to remember a person or event, usually with the intention of honoring their memory. For example, "The town held a memorial service in honor of the veterans who had served in the war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His wife, Michelle, and their daughters, Malia and Sasha, were elsewhere in the city, visiting the Berlin Wall memorial.

The Guardian

Inside the church, there is a memorial on stained glass to a relative of mine.

The Guardian

I have on file cases of Britons recently imprisoned for crimes as relatively mild as abusive tweeting, poll-rigging, Boat Race obstructing, cathedral desecrating, job-application falsifying, expenses fiddling, urinatingon a war memorial, speeding-point switching, licence fee non-paying, and googling in court.

The Guardian - Opinion

A fitting memorial to this much-loved man would be to stop subsidising the Commons bars.

The Guardian

On Monday evening, re-enactors planned a gathering at Breach Inlet between Sullivans Island and the Isle of Palms northeast of Charleston for a memorial service honoring both the Hunley crew and the five Union sailors who died.

The Guardian

Tensions boiled over in 2007 when local Russians rioted over a government decision to relocate a second world war memorial in central Tallinn, the capital.

The Guardian

Alan Rusbridger, the Guardian's editor-in-chief, has led tributes to Simon Hoggart at a memorial service at St John's, Smith Square, Westminster.

The Guardian

#PMQs — joncraigSKY (@joncraig) May 7, 2014 Father of House Sir Peter Tapsell in his usual place for PMQs after giving one of many amusing readings at Hoggart memorial in Smith Square.

The Guardian

Higgins made his own gesture when he bowed his head at the memorial brass in Westminster Abbey to Earl Mountbatten of Burma, the Queen's second cousin, who was assassinated by the IRA in 1979.

The Guardian

Good news, Australian royalists: the national capital's most imposing, though perhaps least aesthetic, monument, the King George V memorial, is undergoing a facelift.

The Guardian

She and fellow member Rebecca Brown didn't get tickets for the Albert Hall but came to London anyway, in part to lay a collection of crocheted wreaths at the memorial to female victims of WW2 at Whitehall.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "memorial" to appropriately convey respect and honor, especially when referring to events, individuals, or groups associated with loss or significant historical events.

Common error

Avoid using "memorial" in casual or trivial situations. Reserve its use for occasions or structures specifically dedicated to remembrance and commemoration. For example, it would be inappropriate to call a small gathering a "memorial meeting".

Linguistic Context

The word "memorial" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a structure or event established to remember a person or event. It also serves as an adjective, describing something commemorative. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage reflects accepted grammatical standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "memorial" functions primarily as a noun or adjective to signify remembrance or commemoration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its usage is very common, particularly within news and media contexts. While generally neutral to formal, its application should be reserved for appropriate situations, avoiding trivial use. Related terms include "commemoration", "tribute", and "remembrance", each offering nuances in meaning. Guidance includes ensuring clarity in adjectival use and avoiding casual misapplication. Overall, "memorial" is a versatile term when employed thoughtfully to honor significant subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in memoriam

A phrase used to honor the memory of someone who has died.

memorial service

A specific type of ceremony held in remembrance of someone who has died.

commemoration

A formal act of remembering a significant event or person.

commemorative monument

Refers specifically to a structure erected for remembrance, emphasizing the physical aspect.

commemorative plaque

A type of memorial that is a flat, engraved surface.

remembrance ceremony

Highlights the act of remembering through a formal event or gathering.

lasting tribute

Emphasizes the enduring nature of the memorial.

tribute

Focuses on expressing respect or admiration for someone or something.

act of remembrance

Focuses on the action taken to remember someone or something.

historical marker

A sign indicating a place of historical significance, often serving as a memorial.

FAQs

How can I use "memorial" in a sentence?

You can use "memorial" as a noun, referring to a monument or service, such as, "The war memorial stands in the town square." It can also be used as an adjective, describing something that serves as a remembrance, like, "a memorial scholarship."

What are some alternatives to the word "memorial"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "commemoration", "tribute", or "remembrance".

What is the difference between a "memorial" and a "monument"?

While both serve as tributes, a "memorial" emphasizes remembrance and honor, while a "monument" is a broader term referring to any structure built to commemorate a person or event. Thus, /s/memorial is almost always a monument, but a monument isn't necessarily a /s/memorial.

When is it appropriate to use "in memoriam" instead of "memorial"?

"In memoriam" is typically used as a heading or title to indicate that something is dedicated to the memory of a deceased person. "Memorial", on the other hand, is used more broadly to refer to the object or event serving as a tribute.