What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mined
Example
The company mined the area for copper and other metals. [mined: verb]
Example
The miners were working hard to extract the ore from the deep mine. [extract: verb]
excavate
Example
The archaeologists excavated the site and found ancient pottery. [excavated: verb]
Example
The construction crew had to excavate a large area before they could begin building the foundation. [excavate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Excavate is more commonly used than mined in everyday language. Excavate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mined is more specific and often used in technical or specialized fields.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between mined and excavate?
Both mined and excavate can be used in formal or technical contexts, but mined may be considered more formal due to its association with mining and geological sciences.
