preserve a memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preserve a memory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of keeping or maintaining a recollection of a past event or experience. Example: "We took many photos during our trip to preserve a memory of the beautiful landscapes we encountered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But what do you think - does video preserve a memory better?

Independent

Those left behind were anxious to preserve a memory of their soldiers should the worst befall them.

The New York Times - Style

"We really had to think about 'how do you let a building preserve a memory but give it a new life?" said Stephanie.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Songs like "Dedication," "Blue Laces 2" and "Keys 2 the City" were autobiographical testimonies told through the lens of someone fighting both to preserve a memory and redefine the negative image of his life and community.

The New York Times

They have a utility to preserve a memory, to make a friend laugh, and to show someone else what they've missed.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Neither my mother or father had the slightest interest in preserving a memory of our existence.

The New York Times - Tech

When cooled to room temperature, the RAF preserves a memory about the melt state of polymer, which is uniquely defined by the crystallization temperature.

Polymer

But your immune system preserves a memory of its previous encounters with a flu, which are dragged up, like old photographs from the back of a closet, every time your system responds to a new flu invasion.

The New York Times - Magazine

In Schiller's view, then, the secret to preserving a memory doesn't lie in protein synthesis in the synapses or the shuttling of neural traffic from the hippocampus to the exurbs of the brain.

MIT Technology Review

This study reports laser-ablation split-stream ICP-MS data on zircon in newly recognized eclogite, that preserves a memory of the prograde evolution, and on zircon from its country rock from the Lanterman Range of northern Victoria Land.

Gondwana Research

(Homer's description of the shield of Ajax as being "like a tower" preserves a memory of body shields of this kind). Weapons included spears and daggers, as well as rapiers with long slender blades and short tangs for affixing wooden hilts.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal experiences or historical events, use "preserve a memory" to highlight the act of intentionally maintaining a clear and accurate recollection of the past. It adds a sense of respect and importance to the memory being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "preserve a memory" when you mean to express the act of re-experiencing a past event. "Preserve a memory" focuses on maintaining the accuracy and clarity of a recollection, while "reliving a memory" emphasizes the emotional and sensory experience of remembering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preserve a memory" functions as a verb phrase, where "preserve" acts as the main verb and "a memory" is the direct object. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preserve a memory" is a grammatically correct and semantically rich expression used to describe the act of maintaining a lasting recollection of past events. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "retain a memory" or "keep a memory alive" exist, "preserve a memory" carries a specific nuance of deliberate and careful maintenance of accuracy. When using this phrase, ensure that the emphasis is on maintaining the integrity of the recollection, rather than simply reliving it. Ludwig provides valuable examples and confirms the phrase's suitability for conveying the importance of remembering and honoring the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Retain a memory

Uses "retain" which implies holding onto a memory that already exists, similar to "preserve".

Conserve a memory

Similar to preserve, but may imply a more deliberate or careful effort to protect the memory.

Maintain a memory

Focuses on the consistency of remembering something. Similar to "preserve" in its meaning.

Hold onto a memory

Implies clinging to a memory, especially in the face of loss or fading.

Sustain a memory

Focuses on the continuous support and maintenance of a memory over time.

Keep a memory alive

Emphasizes the ongoing vitality of the memory, suggesting active effort in remembering.

Cement a memory

Suggests solidifying a memory, making it strong and lasting.

Cherish a memory

Focuses on the emotional value and fondness associated with the memory.

Memorialize a memory

Implies creating a lasting tribute or monument to a memory.

Immortalize a memory

Suggests making the memory permanent and unforgettable, often through art or writing.

FAQs

How can I use "preserve a memory" in a sentence?

You can use "preserve a memory" to describe the act of maintaining a recollection of a past event or experience. For example: "Taking photographs helps us "preserve a memory" of our travels."

What are some alternatives to "preserve a memory"?

Some alternatives to "preserve a memory" include "retain a memory", "keep a memory alive", or "hold onto a memory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "preserve a memory" or "cherish a memory"?

The choice between "preserve a memory" and "cherish a memory" depends on the context. "Preserve a memory" emphasizes maintaining the accuracy of the recollection, while "cherish a memory" focuses on the emotional value and fondness associated with it.

What does it mean to "immortalize a memory"?

To "immortalize a memory" means to make it permanent and unforgettable, often through art, writing, or some other lasting tribute. It goes beyond simply preserving the memory and aims to ensure it is never forgotten.