gravestones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gravestones" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the stones that mark the graves of the deceased, often inscribed with names and dates. Example: "The cemetery was filled with old gravestones, each telling a story of those who had passed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Companionably, they set about weeding, washing gravestones and filling vases.

The Guardian

The colourful railings surrounding it sit in stark contrast to the row upon row of gravestones, each identical except for the name.

The Economist

The Hebrew gravestones, clearly legible, go back to the 11th century.

The Economist

When the national army overran rebel territory last year, it bulldozed the gravestones in guerrilla cemeteries, claiming that they were used for propaganda.

The Economist

They neglected the taboo that kept fish and animals separate, and would not let fish-skin and animal hide be sewn in the same coat; and they could not remember exactly why they built little wooden huts over gravestones, as if to give more comfortable shelter to the dead.The end of the worldMrs Smith herself seemed cavalier about the language for a time.

The Economist

"And there I saw the whole history of the frontier written on gravestones," she recalls.

The Economist

Their gravestones, neatly incised with Chinese names by fellow labourers, can still be seen in the immaculate war cemeteries that dot the Flemish landscape.The story ended bitterly for survivors, too.

The Economist

JUST below the old Muslim cemetery in Tuzla, an undulating hillside dotted with slender, round-topped gravestones, stands a new building whose stark, prefabricated style is a trademark of Bosnia's "internationals"—well-paid expatriates who abound in the Balkans, doling out economic assistance and political advice.

The Economist

Study the gravestones around almost any old English church, or the memorials inside, and you will soon see how true it is.

The Economist

The destruction part is easy to see: downturns kill businesses, leaving boarded-up windows on the high street as their gravestones.

The Economist

The gravestones of British India, now mostly crumbling fast but some of them recorded in Theon Wilkinson's "Two Monsoons" (the typical lifespan of British settlers there) offer many, often poignant, examples in this vein.The deaths of the young have perplexed the writers of epitaphs as they have theologians.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing cemeteries or historical sites, use "gravestones" to evoke a sense of history and solemnity. Be specific about the material or design if relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "gravestones" when referring to cenotaphs or monuments located elsewhere, as these are memorials, not markers directly on a grave. Use "memorials" or "monuments" instead if the marker is not directly on the grave.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gravestones" is as a plural noun. As seen in Ludwig, it refers to multiple stone markers placed over graves to commemorate the deceased. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is considered correct and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gravestones" functions as a grammatically correct and very common plural noun referring to markers on graves. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and literature. While synonyms like "tombstones" and "headstones" exist, "gravestones" remains a general and widely understood term. When writing, remember to use it when describing actual grave markers and avoid confusion with general memorials or monuments located elsewhere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tombstones

A direct synonym, referring to the same object but with a slightly different connotation.

headstones

Similar to "tombstones", but emphasizing the stone's placement at the head of the grave.

memorial stones

A more general term, encompassing various types of stones used for remembrance.

grave markers

A broad term that includes any object used to mark a grave, not just stones.

burial markers

Similar to "grave markers", focusing on the act of burial.

sepulchral monuments

A more formal and elaborate term for monuments placed at burial sites.

funerary stones

Related to funerals and burial rites, denoting stones used in that context.

cemetery stones

Highlights the location of the stones in a cemetery setting.

memorial slabs

Focuses on the flat, slab-like shape of some grave markers.

stone memorials

Emphasizes the stone material and the memorial function.

FAQs

What is the difference between "gravestones", "tombstones", and "headstones"?

"Gravestones", "tombstones", and "headstones" are often used interchangeably, but "headstones" specifically refer to stones placed at the head of a grave. "Tombstones" can sometimes refer to more elaborate structures, while "gravestones" is a general term for any stone marking a grave.

Are "gravestones" always made of stone?

While traditionally made of stone, modern "grave markers" can be made of various materials, including metal or composite materials. However, "gravestones" typically implies a stone material.

What information is typically found on "gravestones"?

Common information includes the deceased's name, date of birth, date of death, and sometimes epitaphs or religious symbols. The style and amount of information vary based on cultural and personal preferences.

Why are some "gravestones" more elaborate than others?

The elaborateness of "gravestones" often reflects the wealth and status of the deceased or their family, as well as cultural traditions and personal preferences regarding memorialization.