a graveyard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a graveyard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a burial ground or a place where dead bodies are buried, often associated with a somber or eerie atmosphere. Example: "The old church was surrounded by a graveyard, where many of the town's founders were laid to rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yeah, we got kicked out of a graveyard in Chicago. .

Huffington Post

A. A graveyard.

The New York Times - Science

A graveyard.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was a graveyard!" Cúneo said.

The New Yorker

China's a graveyard for us all.

The Economist

It was a graveyard smash.

The Guardian - Music

It certainly doesn't look like a graveyard.

The Economist

"Our country is turning into a graveyard.

The Guardian

It's like standing on a graveyard".

The New York Times

It was quiet as a graveyard.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The total number of deaths were compared with weekly graveyard counts undertaken by a graveyard-watcher.

Conflict and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a graveyard" in writing, consider the tone you want to convey. It can evoke feelings of sadness, respect, or even fear, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a graveyard" lightly or inappropriately. Its strong connotations can be jarring if misused, particularly in contexts where a lighter tone is desired. Consider using "cemetery" or "memorial park" if you want to avoid the somber undertones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a graveyard" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It refers to a physical location, namely a burial ground. Ludwig provides many examples where it's used to describe a location.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a graveyard" is a common noun phrase referring to a burial ground, often associated with churches or other religious institutions. While it is grammatically correct and widely used, consider the connotations of sadness or solemnity it brings. Ludwig AI indicates its use across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, but also in academia and business. Consider using synonyms like "cemetery" or "burial ground" for different tones. Be mindful of using "a graveyard" metaphorically, as its intensity can sometimes be unsuitable. Finally, to avoid sounding awkward or ambiguous, consider that this term might not be the most appropriate in all contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cemetery

Direct synonym referring to a burial ground.

a burial ground

Another direct synonym emphasizing the purpose of burial.

a memorial park

Emphasizes the memorial aspect of the burial site.

a necropolis

A more formal or ancient term for a city of the dead.

a boneyard

Informal term, often used metaphorically to indicate a place of disposal or ruin.

a place of rest

Euphemistic term for a final burial location.

a sepulcher

Refers to a burial vault or tomb.

a silent city

Poetic way to describe a graveyard, emphasizing its quiet nature.

a potter's field

A burial ground for the unknown or indigent.

a memorial garden

Focuses on the garden-like aspect and remembrance.

FAQs

What's the difference between "a graveyard" and "a cemetery"?

While often used interchangeably, "a graveyard" traditionally refers to a burial ground associated with a church, while "a cemetery" is a more general term for a burial ground.

What can I say instead of "a graveyard"?

You can use alternatives like "a cemetery", "a burial ground", or "a memorial park" depending on the specific context and desired tone.

How to use "a graveyard" in a sentence?

You can use "a graveyard" to refer to a physical place where people are buried, or metaphorically to describe a place where things are discarded or forgotten. For example: "The old church had a graveyard behind it", or "The tech industry is a graveyard for failed startups".

Is it respectful to picnic in "a graveyard"?

Whether it's respectful to picnic in "a graveyard" depends on cultural norms and specific rules of the location. Some may consider it disrespectful due to the solemn nature of the site, while others may view it as a way to connect with history and remember loved ones. Always check local guidelines and be mindful of the setting.