at the deceased

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the deceased" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to something related to a deceased person, but it lacks context and clarity. Example: "The family gathered at the deceased's memorial service to pay their respects."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He has sneered at the deceased for not taking arms, as if shooting were the only honourable and useful form of social action.

The Guardian - Books

And of course, she couldn't resist a quick pop at the deceased, either: Bob Crow died shortly after the last strike.

Independent

It can be a harrowing responsibility but humour can be a great coping mechanism, she says: "Some of the funniest places I have been in the world have been mortuaries – it sounds like a dreadful thing to say, but the humour is never directed at the deceased or the situation".

The Guardian

"He was looking down at the deceased's face".

The New York Times

Shiva is at the deceased's home until Wednesday.

The New York Times

"Look at the deceased's two kids over there, sobbing like a couple of babies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The dead have been dead for thousands of years, and though the ancient Egyptians were skilled at preserving the deceased, New York's modern Egyptians are much more fun to hang out with at night.

The New York Times - Travel

The feelings of anger among survivors is supported by Conroy [ 27] who found that survivors experience great anger either at themselves, the deceased or other people following a completed suicide.

BMC Public Health

At some periods the principle of seniority was observed, while at other times the deceased prince's oldest son attained the throne.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mixquic is known as 'City of the Dead' for its procession that calls at shrines to the deceased.

Huffington Post

They didn't arrive at the service after the deceased.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a deceased person, use clear and respectful language. Instead of "at the deceased", specify the context, such as "at the memorial service for the deceased" or "regarding the deceased's will".

Common error

Avoid using "at" in relation to a deceased person without specifying the context. "At the deceased" lacks clarity. Instead, use phrases like "regarding the deceased" or specify the location or event: "at the funeral of the deceased".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the deceased" functions as a prepositional phrase, but its grammatical role is unclear without additional context. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase lacks clear meaning in written English. Examples show it used to describe locations or actions related to a dead person, yet it's not grammatically correct on its own.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at the deceased" appears in various sources, it is not grammatically sound and often lacks clarity. Ludwig AI emphasizes the need for contextual precision when referring to a deceased person. It's better to use more specific phrases such as "regarding the deceased", "at the funeral of the deceased", or "at the home of the deceased". These alternatives provide a clearer and more respectful way to convey information related to someone who has passed away.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the deceased

Replaces 'at' with 'regarding' to indicate the subject of discussion.

concerning the deceased

Similar to 'regarding', but may imply a more formal or legal context.

in relation to the deceased

More formal and specific, often used in legal or official contexts.

at the funeral of the deceased

Specifies the event where actions or discussions take place.

at the wake of the deceased

Refers to the specific gathering after the death.

prayers for the deceased

Highlights religious ceremonies or actions on behalf of the dead.

remembering the deceased

Shifts the focus to acts of remembrance or memorialization.

in memory of the deceased

Emphasizes honoring or commemorating the dead.

at the memorial for the deceased

Specifies the memorial service as the location or event.

honoring the deceased

Focuses on the act of showing respect and admiration for the deceased.

FAQs

How can I properly use "at" when referring to someone who has died?

You should clarify the context. For example, instead of "at the deceased", say "at the funeral of the deceased" or "at the home of the deceased" to specify the location or event.

What are some respectful alternatives to the phrase "at the deceased"?

Consider using phrases like "regarding the deceased", "concerning the deceased", or "in relation to the deceased" to maintain a respectful tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "at the deceased"?

No, it is not generally considered grammatically correct. The phrase lacks a clear and specific meaning. Better alternatives include "regarding the deceased" or specifying a location such as "at the memorial service of the deceased".

What is a more precise way to refer to actions or events involving a deceased person?

Specify the context. For instance, instead of "at the deceased", use "at the reading of the deceased's will" or "prayers for the deceased" to provide clarity.