mortal remains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mortal remains" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a corpse or body of a deceased person, often used in a respectful or solemn manner. For example: "The mortal remains of the fallen soldier were laid to rest with full honors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Human beings care deeply about mortal remains.

The Guardian

Patience it will be enlivened with mortal remains.

The New Yorker

For four days, the endless procession of onlookers filed past Qaddafi's mortal remains.

Stanford University

It is in marked contrast to the usual Hindu (Brahmanic) horror of mortal remains as unclean.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Underneath it in a small crypt lay the mortal remains of Saint James.

The Guardian - Travel

"The mortal remains of my mother and brother still not found".

The New York Times

Each box, he notes, is a kind of coffin, containing not mortal remains but memorabilia related to real dead people.

The New York Times

There, the mortal remains of saints, and objects sanctified by their touch, are the focus of attention.

The New York Times - Arts

"How the Sherpas extricate the mortal remains [of Kumar] is purely their professional call," the spokesman said.

The Guardian

A massive marble sarcophagus contains the mortal remains of Christopher Columbus, or so a plaque on the wall says.

The New York Times - Travel

Next, Wang began building a website, while Xu attempted to get used to the presence of mortal remains.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mortal remains" in formal or respectful contexts, such as obituaries, historical accounts, or when discussing funeral arrangements. It conveys a sense of solemnity and finality.

Common error

Avoid using "mortal remains" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "body" or "corpse" are more appropriate for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mortal remains" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the physical body of a deceased person. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

23%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mortal remains" is a formal and respectful way to refer to the body of a deceased person. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a valid phrase that finds frequent use in formal contexts such as news reports, academic discussions, and encyclopedia entries. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it is important to consider the tone and audience when choosing this phrase, as simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings. As shown through multiple examples, the phrase conveys respect and is frequently used in memorial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

human remains

Replaces "mortal" with "human", emphasizing the species of the deceased.

deceased's body

Uses a more direct term for the body and specifies it belongs to the deceased.

body of the deceased

Formal and direct way to refer to the body of someone who has died.

corporeal remains

Uses a more formal term, "corporeal", referring to the body.

earthly remains

Emphasizes the physical aspect returning to the earth.

final remains

Focuses on the end state of the body after death.

the departed

A more euphemistic term, referring to the deceased individual.

late body

Refers to the body in the context of the person recently deceased.

the deceased

Refers to the person who has died, implying their body.

dead body

A straightforward term for the corpse.

FAQs

How do I use "mortal remains" in a sentence?

You can use "mortal remains" to refer to a deceased person's body, especially in formal or respectful contexts. For example, "The "human remains" were transported to their final resting place".

What can I say instead of "mortal remains"?

Alternatives include "human remains", "deceased's body", or "body of the deceased", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "mortal remains" a respectful term?

Yes, "mortal remains" is generally considered a respectful and formal term for the body of a deceased person, often used in obituaries or memorial services.

What is the difference between "mortal remains" and "dead body"?

"Mortal remains" is a more euphemistic and formal term, while "dead body" is a more direct and clinical term. The choice depends on the context and the desired tone.