a mass grave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mass grave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing burial sites where multiple bodies are interred, often related to historical events, conflicts, or disasters. Example: "The archaeologists discovered a mass grave that provided insight into the tragic events of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was led to a mass grave.

The Guardian - Opinion

A "country club" overlooks a mass grave.

The Guardian - Opinion

At least he would not go into a mass grave.

The New Yorker

Boats4People says the Mediterranean is becoming a "mass grave".

Independent

Then their corpses were dumped in a mass grave.

The Washington Post

"It looked like a mass grave," he said.

The Washington Post

The snag was that the land contained a mass grave.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rest were buried in a mass grave, villagers said.

The Guardian

Many are buried in a mass grave in Milford.

The New York Times

Later, 194 bodies were found nearby in a mass grave.

The New York Times

Others were buried in a mass grave in California.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical events or tragedies, use the phrase "a mass grave" judiciously and with sensitivity, providing context and avoiding sensationalism.

Common error

Avoid using "a mass grave" in contexts where it might be perceived as sensationalist or disrespectful. Ensure the context warrants the use of such a specific and somber term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mass grave" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show it describing a physical location or concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mass grave" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It denotes a burial site containing multiple bodies, typically in the context of tragedies, conflicts, or historical events. Its primary function is descriptive, aiming to inform and document rather than to evoke emotions, though the subject matter inherently carries emotional weight. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Academic sources, maintaining a generally neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, consider alternatives like "common grave" or "collective burial site" depending on the specific context to avoid sensationalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common grave

Emphasizes the shared nature of the burial site, lacking individual distinction.

a collective burial site

Highlights the group aspect of the burial, focusing on the communal nature.

a communal grave

Similar to a common grave, but with a stronger sense of community involvement or shared identity.

a burial ground

A more general term for an area designated for burials, not necessarily implying a large number of bodies in one place.

a potter's field

Specifically refers to a burial ground for the unknown or indigent.

an unmarked grave

Focuses on the lack of identification or memorialization at the burial site.

a war grave

Indicates a burial site specifically for victims of war.

an ossuary

A container or site for storing bones, often after initial burial elsewhere.

a sepulcher

A burial vault or tomb, often more elaborate or permanent than a simple grave.

necropolis

A large, ancient cemetery or city of the dead.

FAQs

How can I use "a mass grave" in a sentence?

You can use "a mass grave" to describe a burial site containing multiple bodies, often resulting from conflict, disaster, or disease. For example, "The discovery of "a mass grave" provided crucial evidence for the war crimes tribunal."

What are some alternatives to saying "a mass grave"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "common grave", "collective burial site", or simply "burial ground".

Is it appropriate to use "a mass grave" in fictional writing?

Yes, "a mass grave" can be used in fictional writing to create a somber or tragic atmosphere, especially in genres like historical fiction, war stories, or mysteries, where it adds a layer of realism and emotional depth.

What is the significance of finding "a mass grave" in historical or archaeological contexts?

The discovery of "a mass grave" can provide valuable insights into past events such as wars, genocides, or epidemics, offering crucial evidence for understanding historical atrocities and their impact on affected populations.