the remains of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the remains of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is left after something else has been taken away or destroyed, or after a period of time has passed. Example: The remains of the building were reduced to rubble after a powerful earthquake.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The remains of her, anyway.

Independent

"I saw the remains of three people.

The New York Times

The remains of Aepyornis are abundant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The remains of both pilots, Capt.

The New Yorker

The remains of Pfc.

The New York Times

The remains of Pvt.

The New York Times

"We are carrying the remains of Army Cpl.

The New York Times

The remains of 49 have been identified.

The New York Times

The remains of the Namdaemun Gate.

The Guardian - Arts

The remains of one have been discovered.

The New York Times

Life resumes in the remains of a house and the remains of a family.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the remains of" to refer to physical remnants, historical artifacts, or deceased individuals. It adds a sense of finality and respect in appropriate contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "the remains of" when referring to abstract concepts or situations where 'legacy' or 'consequences' would be more appropriate. For example, use "the legacy of a policy" instead of "the remains of a policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the remains of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to describe a noun. As shown by Ludwig, it commonly indicates what is left after destruction, decomposition, or consumption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the remains of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe what is left after something has been diminished, destroyed, or has passed. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts. Its purpose is to denote persistence after a significant event. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overuse in abstract contexts where other terms like 'legacy' or 'consequences' might be more fitting. When used appropriately, "the remains of" effectively conveys a sense of history, loss, or discovery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the remnants of

Emphasizes the leftover parts, often implying a smaller quantity.

the vestiges of

Suggests a trace or hint of something that no longer exists.

the traces of

Focuses on the marks or evidence left behind.

the ruins of

Specifically refers to the damaged or collapsed parts of a building, wall, or other structure.

the wreckage of

Implies something that has been severely damaged or destroyed, especially in an accident.

the fragments of

Highlights small, broken pieces of something.

the leftovers of

Suggests something remaining, especially food or other consumable items.

the residue of

Refers to a substance that remains after a process.

the surviving parts of

Emphasizes that some elements have endured.

the aftereffects of

Focuses on the consequences or results that linger after an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "the remains of" to refer to physical remnants, historical artifacts, or deceased individuals. For example, "The archaeologists discovered "the remains of an ancient city"".

What's a good alternative to "the remains of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the remnants of", "the vestiges of", or "the traces of".

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

Yes, "the remains of" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when referring to historical events, archaeological discoveries, or in obituaries. However, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether a more precise term might be better.

What's the difference between "the remains of" and "the ruins of"?

"The remains of" is a more general term that can refer to any leftover parts, while "the ruins of" specifically refers to the damaged or collapsed parts of a building or structure.