a general grave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general grave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing a type of grave that is not specific or is meant for multiple individuals, often in a broader or more abstract sense. Example: "The soldiers were laid to rest in a general grave, honoring their sacrifice for the nation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Whatever a "general grave" is.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As a general rule, cemeteries, birthplaces, graves of historical figures, properties owned by religious institutions or used for religious purposes, moved structures, reconstructed historic buildings, commemorative properties, and properties that have achieved significance during the last fifty years are not qualified for listing on the Register.

Wikipedia

As the coffin was lowered into the grave, Borislav Pelevic, a "general" in the Guard, said, "Commander, I hereby submit the last report: the status of the Serb Volunteer Guard is normal, the status of the party is regular".

The New York Times

The provision of food, ornaments, and tools in the graves implies a general belief that the dead continued to exist, with the same needs as in this life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the process of verbally dismantling the quantification of higher education, he compared Ivy League universities to Gucci handbags and sneaked in concise dismissals of the College Board ("offensive, essentially"), the college essay ("an awful genre"), the S.A.T. ("a totally useless event"), and multiple-choice tests in general ("a grave error in the name of so-called objectivity").

The New Yorker

Thus, this has led to the suggestion that a lack of chromosome-wide dosage compensation may be a general feature of female-heterogametic species (Graves and Disteche 2007; Mank 2009; Vicoso and Bachtrog 2009).

Genome Biology and Evolution

The Commerce Clause is not a general license to regulate an individual from cradle to grave, simply because he will predictably engage in particular transactions".

The New Yorker

Several cabinet members were also at the grave and a eulogy was given by a general of the ARVN.

Wikipedia

"Given the ongoing debate about the appropriateness of death penalty administration in general, the grave shortcomings in this case in particular," Mr. Scott wrote, "basic fairness and moral consciousness dictate that the death penalty not be imposed in this case".

The New York Times

"A travesty, a grave crime," he splutters.

The Economist

In its report last year, the Global Fund's Inspector General listed grave misuse of funds in four out of the 145 countries which receive grants from the Global Fund.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a general grave", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean a grave lacking specific identification or a communal burial site for multiple individuals. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Do not assume all readers understand the nuances of "a general grave". Providing context, such as clarifying it's a shared or unmarked grave, can improve clarity and prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general grave" functions as a noun phrase, specifying a type of burial site. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct. It identifies a grave that is not specific or individualized, as suggested by examples mentioning mass burials or unmarked locations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general grave" refers to a burial site that lacks specific individual markers or is intended for communal burial. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct, though relatively rare in usage. It's most frequently encountered in news reports, encyclopedic articles, and historical discussions. When using the phrase, it's beneficial to provide context to avoid ambiguity and ensure readers understand whether you mean a shared grave or an unmarked one. Alternatives like "an unmarked grave" or "a common grave" can offer more clarity in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unmarked grave

Emphasizes the lack of identification or memorial.

an anonymous grave

Focuses on the unknown identity of the deceased.

an undifferentiated grave

Focuses on the lack of specific designation or separation.

a common burial ground

Highlights the shared nature of the burial site.

a collective grave

Highlights the group aspect of the burial.

a mass grave

Indicates a grave containing multiple bodies, often unidentified.

a communal grave

Similar to collective, emphasizing community aspect.

a pauper's grave

Suggests the grave is for someone who was poor or indigent.

a shared burial plot

Indicates that the burial space is used by multiple individuals.

a public grave

Highlights a grave funded or maintained by the government.

FAQs

What does "a general grave" mean?

The term "a general grave" typically refers to a burial site that is either unmarked or intended for multiple individuals, often without specific identification for each person.

What's the difference between "a general grave" and "a mass grave"?

While both involve multiple burials, "a general grave" might simply lack individual markers or distinctions, whereas "a mass grave" usually implies a large number of bodies buried together, often due to disasters or conflicts.

How to use "a general grave" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "After the battle, the fallen soldiers were laid to rest in "a general grave", their names etched on a memorial nearby."

What are some alternatives to "a general grave"?

Alternatives include "an unmarked grave", "a common grave", or "a communal grave", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.