What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
memorial
Example
The city built a memorial to honor the soldiers who died in the war. [memorial: noun]
Example
We attended a memorial service for our friend who passed away last month. [memorial: adjective]
monument
Example
The Washington Monument is a famous landmark in the United States. [monument: noun]
Example
The ancient pyramids of Egypt are some of the most impressive monuments in the world. [monuments: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Monument is more commonly used than memorial in everyday language. Monument is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while memorial is less common and refers specifically to structures or objects created to honor and remember someone or something.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between memorial and monument?
Both memorial and monument can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, monument may be more commonly used in formal contexts due to its association with historical and cultural significance.
