Burial vs Bury: When To Use Each One In Writing

When it comes to discussing the final disposition of a deceased loved one, the terms “burial” and “bury” are often used interchangeably. However, there is a distinct difference between the two words that is important to understand.

In short, “burial” is the proper term to use when referring to the act of interring a body in the ground. On the other hand, “bury” is a verb that means to place something underground, which can include a variety of objects in addition to human remains.

It’s important to use the correct terminology when discussing end-of-life arrangements, as it can help prevent confusion and ensure that everyone involved is on the same page. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between burial and bury in more detail, as well as the various options available for laying a loved one to rest.

Define Burial

Burial is the act of placing a dead body in a grave or tomb. It is a cultural and religious practice that has been performed for thousands of years. The purpose of burial is to provide a final resting place for the deceased and to allow for mourning and remembrance by loved ones.

There are various types of burials, including:

• Earth burial: The most common form of burial, where the body is placed in a casket and buried in the ground.
• Mausoleum burial: The body is placed in a tomb or mausoleum, which is often above ground.
• Cremation burial: The ashes of the deceased are placed in an urn and buried in the ground or scattered in a designated area.

Define Bury

Bury is the act of interring a dead body or other object. It can refer to placing a body in a grave or tomb, or simply covering an object with soil or other material. The term can also be used metaphorically, such as “burying” a memory or emotion.

Bury can also have legal implications, such as burying hazardous waste or burying treasure without proper permits or authorization.

It is important to note that burying a body without following proper legal and cultural protocols can have serious consequences.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying your intended meaning. This is especially true when it comes to the words “burial” and “bury.” While they may seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings that should be used correctly to avoid confusion.

How To Use “Burial” In A Sentence

“Burial” is a noun that refers to the act of placing a dead body in the ground or a tomb. It can also refer to the place where the body is buried.

Examples:

• After the funeral, the family went to the cemetery for the burial.
• The burial site was marked with a simple headstone.
• She requested a traditional burial with a closed casket.

How To Use “Bury” In A Sentence

“Bury” is a verb that means to place something or someone in the ground or a tomb. It can also mean to cover something completely, such as burying a treasure or burying a secret.

Examples:

• The dog loved to bury bones in the backyard.
• He had to bury the hatchet with his former business partner.
• The archaeologist uncovered the ancient city that had been buried for centuries.

It’s important to note that “bury” can also be used in the context of a funeral or burial. For example:

• The family decided to bury their loved one in a private ceremony.
• She was buried with full military honors.
• He requested to be cremated and his ashes buried at sea.

When in doubt, remember that “burial” is a noun and “bury” is a verb. By using these words correctly, you can ensure that your writing is clear and concise.

More Examples Of Burial & Bury Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between “burial” and “bury,” it can be helpful to see these words used in context. Here are some examples of how “burial” can be used in a sentence:

• After the funeral, the family arranged for a burial at the local cemetery.
• The archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient burial site.
• She wanted to have a traditional burial with a closed casket.
• The city council approved the construction of a new burial ground outside of town.
• The priest led the mourners in a prayer at the burial site.
• He left instructions for his burial in his will.
• The cemetery caretaker was responsible for maintaining the burial plots.
• They held a small ceremony to mark the burial of their beloved pet.
• The family decided to cremate the body instead of having a burial.
• The soldier was given a military burial with full honors.

Now, let’s take a look at some examples of how “bury” can be used in a sentence:

• He buried the treasure in a secret location that only he knew.
• The snowstorm buried the small town under several feet of snow.
• She buried her face in her hands and started to cry.
• The construction crew had to bury the power lines underground.
• He was caught trying to bury the evidence of his crime in the backyard.
• The old man buried his wife of 50 years and never fully recovered from the loss.
• The company decided to bury the bad news in a press release about their profits.
• She buried herself in her work to avoid dealing with her personal problems.
• The team was able to bury their opponents with a last-minute touchdown.
• He decided to bury the hatchet and make amends with his estranged brother.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the English language, there are many words that are commonly misused and confused. One such pair of words is burial and bury. While they may seem interchangeable, they actually have distinct meanings and uses. Below are some common mistakes people make when using burial and bury interchangeably, along with explanations of why they are incorrect and tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.

Using “Bury” When “Burial” Is The Correct Word

One common mistake people make is using “bury” when “burial” is the correct word. For example, saying “I attended the bury of my grandfather” is incorrect. The correct sentence would be “I attended the burial of my grandfather.”

The word “bury” is a verb, meaning to place something in the ground and cover it. On the other hand, “burial” is a noun, referring to the act of burying or the place where someone is buried.

To avoid this mistake, remember that “bury” is a verb and “burial” is a noun. If you are referring to the act of burying or the place where someone is buried, use “burial.” If you are referring to the action of placing something in the ground and covering it, use “bury.”

Using “Burial” When “Bury” Is The Correct Word

Another common mistake people make is using “burial” when “bury” is the correct word. For example, saying “I will burial the hatchet” is incorrect. The correct sentence would be “I will bury the hatchet.”

Again, “bury” is a verb, meaning to place something in the ground and cover it. In this context, “bury the hatchet” means to put an end to a quarrel or conflict. Using “burial” in this context is incorrect because it is a noun, not a verb.

To avoid this mistake, remember that “burial” is a noun and “bury” is a verb. If you are referring to the act of putting an end to a quarrel or conflict, use “bury.” If you are referring to the place where someone is buried or the act of burying, use “burial.”

Summary

Mistake	Correct Usage
Using “bury” when “burial” is the correct word	Use “burial” when referring to the act of burying or the place where someone is buried
Using “burial” when “bury” is the correct word	Use “bury” when referring to the act of putting an end to a quarrel or conflict

By remembering the difference between “burial” and “bury,” you can avoid these common mistakes and use these words correctly in the future.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “burial” and “bury” depends on the context in which they are used. Both words have distinct meanings, and using them interchangeably can lead to confusion.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “burial” and “bury” might change:

Context	Word Choice	Explanation
Funeral Services	Burial	When referring to the act of placing a body in a grave or tomb, “burial” is the appropriate word choice. For example, “The burial service will be held at the cemetery.”
Everyday Use	Bury	When referring to the act of covering something with soil, “bury” is the appropriate word choice. For example, “I need to bury this seed in the ground.”
Legal Documents	Burial	When referring to the act of interring human remains, “burial” is the appropriate word choice in legal documents. For example, “The deceased’s burial plot has been purchased.”
Figurative Language	Bury	When referring to the act of hiding or concealing something, “bury” is the appropriate word choice. For example, “I need to bury my feelings about the situation.”

As you can see, the context in which the words are used can greatly impact the appropriate word choice. It is important to understand the nuances of each word to ensure clear communication.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “burial” and “bury” are generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions where they may not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Cremation

In cases where a deceased person is cremated, neither “burial” nor “bury” would be appropriate. Instead, the term “cremation” should be used. For example:

• After John’s cremation, his family scattered his ashes in the ocean.
• The funeral home offered both burial and cremation services.

2. Figurative Use

Sometimes, “bury” is used figuratively to mean something other than the literal act of putting something in the ground. In these cases, “burial” would not be appropriate. For example:

• After the team lost the championship game, they had to bury their disappointment and get back to work.
• The company tried to bury the negative reviews by flooding the internet with positive ones.

3. Regional Differences

There may be regional differences in how “burial” and “bury” are used. For example, in some parts of the world, “burial” may be used more often than “bury” or vice versa. Additionally, certain cultural or religious practices may dictate the use of one term over the other. It’s important to be aware of these differences when communicating with people from different backgrounds.

Overall, while the rules for using “burial” and “bury” are generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions where they may not apply. By being aware of these exceptions, you can ensure that you are using the appropriate term in any given situation.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the difference between “burial” and “bury,” it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in each sentence.

1. After the funeral, the family arranged for a __________ service at the cemetery.
2. He wanted to __________ the treasure in a secret location.
3. The archaeologist discovered a __________ site dating back to ancient times.
4. She was so upset about her dog’s death that she couldn’t bear to __________ him.
5. It is traditional in many cultures to __________ the dead in a coffin.

Answer Key:

1. burial
2. bury
3. burial
4. bury
5. bury

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete each sentence with the correct form of “burial” or “bury.”

1. The __________ of the deceased was a solemn occasion.
2. She decided to __________ her old journals in the backyard.
3. Many people choose to be cremated instead of having a traditional __________.
4. He was arrested for attempting to __________ evidence.
5. The __________ ground was filled with flowers and memorials.

Answer Key:

1. burial
2. bury
3. burial
4. bury
5. burial

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “burial” and “bury,” it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. While “bury” refers to the act of placing something in the ground, “burial” specifically refers to the act of burying a dead body. It is important to use these words correctly in order to convey the intended meaning.

One key takeaway from this article is the importance of understanding the nuances of language use. While it may seem trivial, using the wrong word can drastically change the meaning of a sentence. By taking the time to learn about grammar and language use, we can communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Additionally, it is important to recognize that language is constantly evolving. While certain rules may be considered “correct” at one time, they may change over time. It is important to stay up-to-date on changes in language use and adapt accordingly.

In conclusion, by understanding the difference between “burial” and “bury,” we can use language more effectively and avoid confusion. I encourage readers to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to improve their communication skills.