a dead battery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dead battery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a battery that no longer holds a charge or is not functioning. Example: "I tried to start my car this morning, but it wouldn't turn over because I have a dead battery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Tovah's Subaru had a dead battery.

The New Yorker

Further investigation revealed a dead battery; not one word had been recorded.

The New York Times - Books

His body seemed like a dead battery that could not be recharged.

The New York Times - Sports

Anyone who has had plans ruined by a dead battery will know the particular feeling of impotence.

Independent

An ad from the Emily's List super PAC, "Women Vote!," compares Mr. Thompson to spoiled milk and a dead battery.

The New York Times

The Islanders were the foes tonight, and their offense suddenly has all the voltage of a dead battery.

The New York Times - Sports

It turned out there were two sets of faulty wiring that caused problems and a dead battery.

The Guardian

They found faulty wiring in two places, a dead battery and a bent pipe in the hulking device.

The Guardian

You can argue for a dead battery or spill a cup of coffee on the wretched thing.

The New York Times - Books

As soon as I tried the key, I could tell that the car's problem was worse than a dead battery.

The New Yorker

–A flashlight with a dead battery, plus whole Tupperwares full of dead batteries, which I am afraid to throw away ($2).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dead battery" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the problem. For instance, specify if it's a car battery, phone battery, or another type of battery.

Common error

Avoid assuming "a dead battery" is always due to age. Other factors like leaving lights on, parasitic drain, or faulty charging systems can also cause it. Be specific when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dead battery" functions as a noun phrase, where "dead" modifies the noun "battery". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's analysis supports this, showcasing its frequent use in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dead battery" is a very common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a battery that has lost its charge and is no longer functional. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. While alternatives like "a discharged battery" or "a flat battery" exist, "a dead battery" remains a straightforward and universally understood expression. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the type of battery and potential causes to avoid overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a discharged battery

Replaces "dead" with a synonym emphasizing the lack of charge.

a flat battery

Commonly used alternative, particularly in British English.

a depleted battery

Emphasizes the complete consumption of the battery's energy.

a non-functioning battery

More formal, highlighting the battery's inability to operate.

a battery that won't hold a charge

Describes the battery's inability to retain power.

a battery at zero capacity

Focuses on the numerical state of the battery's charge level.

a spent battery

Suggests the battery has exhausted its usable life.

an unusable battery

Highlights the impracticality of using the battery in its current state.

a battery beyond repair

Implies that the battery cannot be restored to working condition.

a defunct battery

Formally indicates the battery is no longer operational or valid.

FAQs

What's another way to say "a dead battery"?

You can use alternatives like "a discharged battery", "a flat battery", or "a depleted battery" depending on the context.

How can I prevent having "a dead battery" in my car?

Regularly check your battery's voltage, avoid leaving lights on when the engine is off, and ensure all connections are clean and tight. Also, have your charging system inspected periodically.

Is it correct to say "the battery is dead" instead of "a dead battery"?

Yes, both are correct. "The battery is dead" is a complete sentence stating the condition of a specific battery, while "a dead battery" typically functions as part of a larger sentence, often as a noun phrase.

What are the common causes of "a dead battery" in electronic devices?

Common causes include overcharging, extreme temperatures, age, and prolonged use. Following the manufacturer's recommendations for charging and storage can help extend battery life.