the remains

USAGE SUMMARY

"the remains" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is left behind or that still exists after something else has been taken away or destroyed. For example, "The remains of the old house had to be cleared away before the new construction could begin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The remains.

The New Yorker

"The remains are gone.

The New York Times

"They're the Remains.

The New York Times

The remains of her, anyway.

Independent

He threw the remains away.

The New Yorker

The remains, forgotten, stayed undesecrated.

The Economist

The remains of Pfc.

The New York Times

The remains of Pvt.

The New York Times

Some of the remains were just skeletons.

Independent

"I saw the remains of three people.

The New York Times

The remains of Aepyornis are abundant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical events or archaeological findings, use "the remains" to refer to artifacts, structures, or other physical evidence left behind.

Common error

Avoid using "the remains" when you intend to convey that something is yet to be determined or clarified. Instead, use the idiom "remains to be seen."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the remains" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to what is left after something has been destroyed or has passed away, or, more directly, to a corpse. As supported by Ludwig, it's a commonly recognized noun construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the remains" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to what is left after something has been destroyed, consumed, or has passed away, or the corpse of a deceased individual. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media sources. When using "the remains", be mindful of the context to ensure accurate communication, avoiding confusion with similar-sounding idioms or alternative phrases. Always consider the gravity and potential sensitivity associated with the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the remnants

Focuses on the surviving parts or traces of something that has been diminished or destroyed.

the relics

Implies historical or sentimental value attached to what is left behind.

the vestiges

Highlights subtle or disappearing traces of something that once existed.

the residue

Emphasizes the substance that remains after a process, often undesirable.

the leftovers

Refers specifically to food that remains after a meal.

the debris

Suggests scattered fragments resulting from destruction.

the ruins

Indicates the physical remains of something that has decayed or been destroyed.

the corpse

Specifically refers to the dead body of a human being.

the carcass

Refers to the dead body of an animal.

the mortal coil

A poetic expression referring to the body after death.

FAQs

How can I use "the remains" in a sentence?

You can use "the remains" to refer to a dead body, historical relics, or what is left of something after destruction. For example, "The archaeologist discovered "the remains of" an ancient civilization".

What is another way to say "the remains"?

Alternatives include "the remnants", "the relics", or when referring to a body, "the corpse".

Is it appropriate to use "the remains" in formal writing?

Yes, "the remains" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing historical findings, scientific discoveries, or in obituaries. However, ensure the context aligns with the formality.

What's the difference between "the remains" and "the rest"?

"The remains" specifically refers to what is left after something significant has occurred, such as death or destruction. "The rest" simply indicates what is left of a larger quantity or group without the implication of loss or decay.