a casualty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a casualty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who is injured or killed in a serious accident or conflict. Example: "The accident resulted in a casualty, prompting an immediate investigation by the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

OFF became a casualty.

The Guardian

That became a casualty of the recession.

The New York Times

Trust, too, was a casualty of age.

The New Yorker

He declined to offer a casualty figure.

The New York Times

Sportsmanship is always a casualty.

The New York Times

"It is a casualty," he said.

The New York Times

Sebastian is a casualty along the way.

The Guardian - Books

I'm a casualty in a bigger war".

The Guardian

Yet Sophia became a casualty of geopolitics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Charlie Fairhead is a Casualty legend.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

No one expects perfection or a casualty-free war.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a casualty", ensure the context clearly indicates the event or situation causing the harm or loss. For example, specify "a casualty of the war" or "a casualty of the economic downturn".

Common error

Avoid using "a casualty" without specifying the cause or context. Saying someone is "a casualty" without further explanation can be vague and confusing for the reader. Be specific about what they are a casualty of.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a casualty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies someone or something that has been negatively affected or harmed by an event or situation, as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a casualty" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe someone or something that has suffered harm or loss. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase with a neutral register, suitable for various contexts, particularly news, science, and formal writing. While the phrase is widely accepted, it's important to provide specific context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "victim" or "loss" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Always strive for clarity and precision when using "a casualty" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a victim

Focuses on the person harmed or affected by an event, similar to "a casualty".

an injured party

Emphasizes the injury aspect, specifying someone who has been hurt.

a fatality

Specifically indicates a death resulting from an event.

a loss

Highlights the broader concept of something being lost or harmed, which could include people, objects, or abstract concepts.

a sufferer

Implies someone is experiencing pain or distress as a result of an event.

a sacrifice

Suggests something or someone given up for a cause or purpose.

a detriment

Highlights the damaging or harmful aspect of an event.

a detriment

Highlights the damaging or harmful aspect of an event.

an unfortunate

Captures the sense of bad luck or misfortune experienced by someone.

a negative consequence

Focuses on the adverse result or outcome of an action or event.

FAQs

How can I use "a casualty" in a sentence?

You can use "a casualty" to describe someone or something that has suffered harm or loss due to an event or situation. For example, "The company became "a casualty of" the recession" or "He was "a casualty of war"".

What's the difference between "a casualty" and "a victim"?

While both terms refer to someone who has suffered harm, "a casualty" often implies a more widespread event or situation, while "a victim" can refer to more specific instances of harm. "Casualty" is often used in contexts like wars or accidents, while "victim" can also apply to crimes or personal misfortunes.

What are some synonyms for "a casualty"?

Some synonyms for "a casualty" include "a victim", "an injured party", "a fatality", or "a loss", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a casualty" in formal writing?

Yes, "a casualty" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing events like wars, accidents, or economic downturns. However, ensure the context is clear and the usage is precise to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "victim" or "loss" may be more appropriate in certain contexts.