What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tombstone
Example
The tombstone read 'Beloved husband and father.' [tombstone: noun]
Example
She visited her mother's tombstone every year on the anniversary of her passing. [tombstone: noun]
monument
Example
The Washington Monument is a famous landmark in Washington D.C. [monument: noun]
Example
The soldiers who died in the war were honored with a monument in the town square. [monument: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Monument is more commonly used than tombstone in everyday language. Monument is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tombstone is less common and refers specifically to a marker placed at the head of a grave.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tombstone and monument?
Both tombstone and monument can be used in formal and informal contexts, but monument may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its association with historical events and figures.
