The type of a grave

Question

What would this sort of grave be called which is not earth-pit now? What adjective will best describe it?

A. Constructed grave

B. Built grave

C. Plastered grave

D. Masonry-built grave

E. Structured grave

Answer 1

Technically, the 'grave' is the hole in the ground, not any masonry that decorates or marks it. However, it is common for the entire thing to be collectively referred to as 'a grave'.

In British English, the stone that marks a dug grave is called a headstone.

When the grave is raised as in the photograph, we either call that a raised grave or a tomb. The inscription may then be called a tombstone.

There are likely many other English words for these owing to different cultures and dialects.

Answer 2

In the photograph, one can see that the grave is actually raised slightly, so I guess you can call this a "raised grave".

"tomb" can also be used here, but the definition of tomb from Oxford Languages is

a large vault, typically an underground one, for burying the dead

Since it depicts a underground "vault", this may not be useable, although you can if you want.

So in this case, I suggest you use "raised grave" or simply "grave", as the grave is not really raised much off the ground.

"structured/built grave" is quite vague, "structured grave" could just mean the grave is structured, as in built solidly, which doesn't fit this context.

Answer 3

Looking at some memorial masons' websites, it seems the stone surround is called a kerb in Britain (the same term as we use for the stone edging of the pavement at the side of a road.) NB American terminology is different. However, in British cemeteries the kerb isn't normally as high as the ones in your photo.