What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
excavation
Example
The excavation of the ancient ruins revealed many artifacts. [excavation: noun]
Example
The construction company began excavation work on the new building site. [excavation: noun]
dig
Example
He dug a hole in the garden to plant the flowers. [dug: past tense]
Example
The archaeologist used a trowel to carefully dig around the artifact. [dig: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dig is more commonly used than excavation in everyday language. Dig is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while excavation is a more specific and technical term used in specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between excavation and dig?
Excavation is a more formal and technical term used in specialized fields such as construction and archaeology. Dig is a more casual and everyday word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
