What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
excavate
Example
The archaeologists excavated the site to uncover ancient artifacts. [excavated: past tense]
Example
The construction crew will need to excavate the area before building the foundation. [excavate: verb]
unearth
Example
The detective was able to unearth new evidence in the case. [unearth: verb]
Example
The archaeologist unearthed a rare artifact from the excavation site. [unearthed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unearth is more commonly used than excavate in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications beyond technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between excavate and unearth?
Excavate is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while unearth can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
