Prepositions with nouns

Of memory or in memory?

In memory is a common expression used for dedication or recollection. Of memory is usually not a natural fixed phrase, though memory of something is standard.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Use in memory to mean in honour or remembrance of someone. Use memory of when naming what is remembered. The phrase of memory by itself is not a standard expression in current English.

The concert was held in memory of her grandfather.
She still has vivid memories of childhood summers.
The garden was created in memory of the soldiers.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

in memory of + person

Showing honour or remembrance

Use in memory of to dedicate something to a person who has died or to honour someone from the past.

A scholarship was established in memory of Dr Singh.

They planted a tree in memory of their teacher.

memory of + event/person

Naming what is remembered

Use memory of to identify the thing, event, or person that someone remembers.

His memory of the accident remained clear.

The smell brought back her memory of home.

from memory

Recalling without notes

Use from memory when someone speaks, writes, or draws based on what they remember.

She recited the poem from memory.

He sketched the building from memory after the trip.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction

Example

Meaning

in memory of

The bench was installed in memory of the founder.

A standard expression for honouring or remembering someone.

memory of

Her memory of the meeting was accurate.

Refers to what someone remembers.

of memory

The phrase of memory alone sounds unnatural in most modern contexts.

Not a standard fixed expression in current English.

from memory

He answered the questions from memory.

Using remembered information without help.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of memory instead of in memory of

English normally uses in memory of for dedications and memorials.

✕ The concert was held of memory of her father. ✓ The concert was held in memory of her father.

Leaving out of after in memory

In memory usually needs of before the person or thing remembered.

✕ They donated the books in memory their aunt. ✓ They donated the books in memory of their aunt.

Confusing memory of with in memory of

Memory of describes recollection, while in memory of expresses tribute or honour.

✕ His in memory of the trip was vivid. ✓ His memory of the trip was vivid.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The award was created ___ memory of the scientist.

2. She described the scene from ___.

3. His ___ the storm was surprisingly detailed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is of memory ever correct?

It can appear in rare literary or technical wording, but it is not a common modern fixed phrase. Most learners should use memory of or in memory of instead.

What does in memory of mean?

It means in honour or remembrance of someone, often someone who has died.

Can I say memories of?

Yes. Memories of is very common when talking about remembered people, places, or experiences.

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