to cherish the memory of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to cherish the memory of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing fondness or affection for someone or something that has passed, often in a sentimental context. Example: "We gather here today to cherish the memory of our beloved friend who has left us too soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

To cherish the memory of him, they must first forget much of his legacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the eve of the parade Liu Xiaoming, China's ambassador to London, claimed the event was designed to "cherish the memory of heroes and mourn the lives lost in the flames of war".

The Guardian

I have come to greatly admire, even to cherish the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. His courage, his selflessness, his love for humanity, his willingness to stand against anything that threatened the common good - these are among the aspects of King's character that deeply inspire me, as they do so many others.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Kilbane: "I think you have to cherish the memories of what he's done for the town and the club.

BBC

"Portland played a huge role in delivering a successful Olympic Games and these rings will allow us to cherish the memories of hosting the sailing".

BBC

To cherish the memories of his life well lived are: Bobbie, husband Tom Featherston, grandson Grant and wife Shannon Featherston, great-grandson Drew, Randy and wife Barbara Howarth, granddaughter Tara Howarth.

Los Angeles Times

If you're normal, or close to normal, you cherish the memory of remembering these memories and regard fondly the precious gift of cerebral "recollection" that made it all possible.

The New Yorker

In the midst of the hubbub, we'd like to revisit why, exactly, we cherish the memory of Salinger.

HuffPost

Linda is impossibly posh, ridiculously well-connected, horribly pretty, and gets to wear some deeply enviable clothes – I cherish the memory of her stumping in cork-soled sandals across her Paris flat – but her hopeless lovelorn yearnings and hapless choices still break the hearts of sensitive young things everywhere.

The Guardian - Books

We will cherish the memory of his visits to our library and museum, and his outstanding participation in our public programs.

The New York Times

Their fans cherish the memory of when Graham Taylor took them to the Wembley finale in 1984, even if they lost against Everton.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to cherish the memory of" when you want to express deep affection and appreciation for someone or something from the past. This phrase is particularly effective in eulogies, commemorative speeches, or personal reflections where conveying heartfelt emotion is key.

Common error

Avoid using "to cherish the memory of" in contexts that require a more neutral or objective tone. In analytical reports or factual accounts, opt for more straightforward phrases like "to remember" or "to acknowledge" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to cherish the memory of" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong, positive emotional connection to a past event or person. Ludwig's examples show its use in commemorative contexts, highlighting deep affection and appreciation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to cherish the memory of" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey deep affection and appreciation for someone or something from the past. As indicated by Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts. While it is not overly frequent, it is recognized and accepted in standard English. Alternatives such as "to honor the memory of" or "to fondly remember" offer similar sentiments but with subtle differences in nuance. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for contexts where expressing heartfelt emotion is appropriate, avoiding overuse in purely objective or analytical settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To honor the memory of

Replaces "cherish" with "honor", focusing on respect and recognition.

To treasure the memory of

Substitutes "cherish" with "treasure", emphasizing the value and importance of the memory.

To hold dear the memory of

Replaces "cherish" with "hold dear", highlighting the affection associated with the memory.

To fondly remember

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the positive and warm recollection.

To keep alive the memory of

Emphasizes the act of maintaining the memory so it is not forgotten.

To preserve the memory of

Highlights the effort to protect and maintain the memory.

To commemorate

Uses a single word to convey the act of remembering and honoring.

To remember with affection

Focuses on remembering with fondness and warmth.

To never forget

Highlights the act of not forgetting.

To recall with fondness

Stresses the positive and pleasing nature of the recollection.

FAQs

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

You can use "to cherish the memory of" to express deep affection for someone or something from the past, such as, "We gather today "to cherish the memory of" our beloved colleague."

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

Alternatives include "to honor the memory of", "to treasure the memory of", or "to fondly remember", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "to cherish the memory of"?

It is appropriate to use "to cherish the memory of" in sentimental or commemorative contexts, such as eulogies, memorial services, or personal reflections where you want to express deep affection and appreciation. It may be less suitable in formal, analytical contexts.

What is the difference between "to cherish the memory of" and "to remember"?

"To remember" is a general term for recalling something from the past, while "to cherish the memory of" implies a deeper emotional connection and fondness for what is being remembered. The former is neutral, the latter is affectionate.