What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mine
Example
The miners worked hard to extract coal from the mine. [mine: noun]
Example
They had to mine deep into the earth to find the gold. [mine: verb]
quarry
Example
The quarry produced high-quality marble for construction. [quarry: noun]
Example
They had to quarry the stone carefully to avoid damaging it. [quarry: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mine is more commonly used than quarry in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and materials. Quarry is more specific and is mainly used in the context of extracting stone and related materials.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mine and quarry?
Both mine and quarry can be used in formal and informal contexts, but mine may be more versatile due to its wider range of applications.
