buried under

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "buried under" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is overwhelmed or hidden beneath a large amount of something else, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "She felt buried under a mountain of paperwork and deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ostriches buried under rubble.

The Guardian - Opinion

They may be buried under the rubble.

The New York Times

Today's headline will be buried under tomorrow's.

The New York Times - Arts

His flat is almost buried under rocketry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He's buried under gold and money.

The Guardian - Film

"We've been buried under a fragile psyche".

The New York Times - Sports

He was buried under a tulip tree.

The New York Times - Arts

He had been buried under rubble.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is now buried under Montparnasse Tower.

The Guardian - Arts

It was buried under leaves when I first found it.

The New Yorker

More are feared buried under mudslides in remote regions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "buried under", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being concealed or overwhelmed. This phrase is effective for both physical and metaphorical situations, but clarity is key.

Common error

While "buried under" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or professional contexts. Opt for more precise alternatives like "concealed beneath" or "overwhelmed by" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "buried under" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the state of something being concealed or overwhelmed. As Ludwig AI explains, it is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science & Research

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "buried under" is a versatile prepositional phrase that describes something being concealed or overwhelmed, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical function is primarily adverbial, and its communicative purpose is to indicate that something is not easily accessible. While its register is generally neutral, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. For alternatives, consider phrases like "concealed beneath" or "overwhelmed by", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. It's a very common and accepted phrase, suitable for both literal and metaphorical uses, but consider more formal options in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Covered by

A more general term indicating that something is physically on top of something else.

Hidden beneath

Similar to 'concealed beneath', but with a broader sense of being out of sight.

Concealed beneath

Focuses on the act of hiding something physically under something else.

Overwhelmed by

Highlights the feeling of being burdened or overpowered, often by tasks or emotions.

Swamped with

Similar to 'overwhelmed by', but suggests a large quantity causing difficulty.

Submerged in

Implies being completely covered or immersed, often in a metaphorical sense.

Obscured by

Indicates that something is not easily seen or understood due to being overshadowed.

Masked by

Suggests that something is hidden or disguised by something else.

Suppressed by

Focuses on the act of holding something back or preventing it from being expressed.

Lost in

Implies that something is difficult to find or distinguish because of its surroundings.

FAQs

How can I use "buried under" in a sentence?

You can use "buried under" to describe something physically covered, like "The treasure was buried under layers of sand", or metaphorically, such as "She was buried under a mountain of paperwork".

What are some alternatives to saying "buried under"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "concealed beneath", "hidden under", or "overwhelmed by".

Is it correct to say "buried under" or is there a better phrasing?

"Buried under" is a correct and commonly used phrase. The best phrasing depends on the context, but "covered by" or "hidden by" can also be suitable alternatives.

What's the difference between "buried under" and "hidden under"?

"Buried under" often implies a greater degree of concealment or being overwhelmed compared to "hidden under". "Buried under" suggests more layers or a larger quantity concealing the object.