they got buried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they got buried" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something or someone has been covered or hidden, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "After the storm, the old car was so covered in debris that they got buried under the fallen branches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They got buried, too.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

After they get buried, they get forgotten.

The New York Times

So they get buried, plowed under by a tractor.

The New Yorker

The museum had run out of books and I heard Kozma putting a hex on the Dodgers — something about hoping they get buried next season.

The New York Times - Sports

There were a few exceptions: Four New Yorkers were so unfortunate that not only did they get buried in snow like everyone else, they also got a ticket from the police for their troubles.

The New York Times

But they must be checked out by the ski patrol first, descend with a partner and carry shovels and transceivers (radio beepers) in case they get buried by an avalanche.

The New York Times - Travel

"We're helping to triple the treatment beds for people with Ebola, making sure we have safe burial teams in place so that when people do die we can with dignity nevertheless help to make sure they get buried without infecting more people which is one of the main reasons the disease has spread," she told the BBC.

The Guardian

Because less than a millimeter of sediment accumulates every 1000 years, the few algae that fall to the sea floor are mostly consumed before they get buried.

Science Magazine

When police officers die, they get buried in state".

Vice

When a police officer dies, they get buried in state".

Vice

Doctors feel great when they save a life, but what about on days they get buried in paperwork?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they got buried" when you want to convey the idea of something being completely covered, hidden, or overwhelmed, whether literally or figuratively. For instance, "After the avalanche, they got buried under several feet of snow" or "Their good intentions got buried under layers of bureaucracy."

Common error

Avoid using "they got buried" when describing a simple loss or forgetting something temporarily. This phrase implies a more significant level of covering or overwhelming. For example, instead of saying "My keys got buried in my bag", a better alternative would be "I can't find my keys in my bag".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they got buried" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject "they" underwent the action of being buried. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it used both literally, to describe physical entombment, and figuratively, to represent being overwhelmed or obscured.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they got buried" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that effectively communicates a state of being covered, overwhelmed, or forgotten. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans from literal descriptions of physical burial to metaphorical representations of being obscured or overwhelmed. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad application. While versatile, it's essential to avoid misusing the phrase in contexts where a simpler term like "hidden" or "lost" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were overwhelmed

Focuses on the feeling of being overpowered by something, rather than physically covered.

they were covered up

Emphasizes the act of concealing something, often with a negative connotation.

they were submerged

Suggests being completely under a liquid or other substance.

they were engulfed

Implies being completely surrounded and consumed by something.

they were concealed

Highlights the state of being hidden from view.

they were masked

Suggests that something is hidden or disguised.

they were hidden

A general term for not being visible or easily found.

they were snowed under

Idiomatic expression for being overwhelmed with work or responsibilities.

they were cloaked

Indicates being covered or disguised, often metaphorically.

they were obscured

Means to block from view or make unclear.

FAQs

How can I use "they got buried" in a sentence?

You can use "they got buried" to describe something being literally covered, like "After the landslide, "they got buried" under tons of debris", or metaphorically, like "Their innovative ideas "they got buried" by corporate red tape".

What's a less literal alternative to "they got buried"?

If you're not referring to something being physically covered, you could use phrases like "they were overwhelmed", "they were lost", or "they were forgotten" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "they got buried" in a formal context?

Yes, it's acceptable in formal contexts, especially in news reports or factual accounts. However, avoid using it in highly academic or technical writing where more precise language might be preferred.

What's the difference between "they got buried" and "they were hidden"?

"They got buried" implies a complete covering or overwhelming, while "they were hidden" simply means they were not visible or easily found. The first suggests more force or extent of concealment.