valediction to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "valediction to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a farewell or a formal expression of goodbye directed towards someone or something. Example: "In his speech, he offered a heartfelt valediction to his colleagues as he prepared to retire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

These notes read like a valediction to his teaching career, and a summa of it.

The New Yorker

Our reviewer, Will Blythe, found "Returning to Earth" an "extraordinary valediction to mourning.

The New York Times - Books

The novel's epigraph, from Sherwin Stephens's poem "The Biologist's Valediction to his Wife," begins: "Don't count on Heaven, or on Hell.

The New York Times - Books

Though Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Riener may be forever associated with Cunningham, a venture this artistically successful should be seen as a valediction to that part of the careers of these two supremely talented men.

The New York Times - Arts

The verse romance genre was diversely exploited well into the 14th century, but by then Jean Froissart's contribution, Méliador (1383 88), was only a ponderous valediction to romance's golden age, and prose was the principal form (see below Prose literature).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Rowling's valediction to the world of child wizardry, is to be published for the mass market on December 4 with all proceeds to go to Rowling's charity.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Colbert treated the romp to the dais as a sort of valediction, alluding to the fact that his Comedy Central program will end when he takes over from David Letterman on CBS' "Late Show" next year.

Los Angeles Times

In his valediction, Purcell continued to insist that his strategy for the firm is on course, despite reports to the contrary.

Forbes

Roth has lived a life so dedicated to his work – long, isolated days wrestling with tricky, often painful material – that it's hard not to take his valediction at face value; despite the mixed reception received by some of his later novels, his withdrawal is unlikely to have been caused by a fit of pique.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Salama wrote his own melody for John Donne's "Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" to help himself memorize it.

The New York Times - Arts

If Bill Clinton's backstage walk to valediction on Monday was a heavyweight champion's last indulgent moment in the sun, Al Gore's arrival in the Staples Center tonight was a dogged contender's first chance to enter the arena alone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "valediction to" to add a touch of formality and finality to your writing, particularly when referring to the end of a significant period, career, or relationship. However, ensure the tone is appropriate for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "valediction to" in casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "farewell to" or "goodbye to" when communicating with friends or in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "valediction to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating a farewell or concluding remark directed towards something. It often serves as a noun modifier, as seen in the Ludwig examples where it describes a farewell directed toward careers, eras, or people.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "valediction to" is a prepositional phrase used to express a formal farewell or conclusion, often with a sense of respect or tribute. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and well-suited for use in professionally edited writing. Although "valediction to" is not as frequently used as simpler alternatives like "farewell to", it is useful when a more elevated or reflective tone is desired. However, it is best to avoid using "valediction to" in informal conversation where simpler terms are usually preferred. The phrase sees the most frequent use in news media, and encyclopedic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

farewell to

Direct synonym, replacing "valediction" with a more common term.

goodbye to

A simple and direct expression of farewell.

tribute to

Conveys a sense of respect and honor in a final statement or act.

homage to

Similar to "tribute", but often implies a more artistic or creative expression of farewell.

send-off for

Focuses on the act of sending someone or something away, often with positive connotations.

swan song for

Implies a final performance or work before retirement or death.

final chapter of

Emphasizes the concluding aspect of something's story.

culmination of

Highlights the final point or result after a long period.

closing remarks for

Refers to formal statements made at the end of an event or period.

elegy for

A mournful poem or song expressing grief, often for someone who has died.

FAQs

How can I use "valediction to" in a sentence?

You can use "valediction to" when referring to a farewell or a concluding statement directed towards something. For example: "His final performance was a "valediction to" his illustrious career".

What are some alternatives to "valediction to"?

You can use alternatives such as "farewell to", "tribute to", or "homage to" depending on the context.

Is "valediction to" formal or informal?

"Valediction to" is generally considered a formal expression. In informal settings, simpler terms like "goodbye to" might be more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "valediction to"?

It's appropriate to use "valediction to" when you want to convey a sense of formality and finality, often in the context of endings, retirements, or significant transitions. Choose it when you're aiming for a more elevated or reflective tone.