a death for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a death for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the reason or cause of a death, often in a metaphorical or thematic sense. Example: "The novel explores the idea of a death for a greater cause, highlighting the sacrifices made by the characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It is a death for our times.

The Guardian

Condolences around a death, for instance.

The Guardian - Opinion

I make it in times of uncertainty – after a death for example.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This is a death for me," he said bluntly, "and there seems to be no resurrection".

The New York Times

For more than two decades up to 2008, Rio's military police registered a death for every 23 arrests.

The Guardian

"What does it say about our society that it's taken a death for you to write about this?" she asks.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

President Donald Trump, however, seems to yearn for a death spiral for the Affordable Care Act.

The New Yorker

When someone like O'Reilly screams "tradition" as a justification for continuing a societal action, it's usually a death knell for progress, a death knell for innovation and often, a death knell for critical thought.

Huffington Post

A win for Aereo is a death knell for local television stations.

Huffington Post

What's a little death for a life like this?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's not a death sentence for him, it's not a death sentence for our team".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a death for", ensure the context clearly establishes the reason or purpose connected to the death. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a death for" in situations where the connection between the death and its purported reason is unclear or illogical. Always ensure a direct and understandable relationship is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a death for" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to indicate the reason, purpose, or consequence associated with a death. Ludwig AI shows examples where it links a death to a broader societal issue or individual motivation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a death for" is a grammatically sound construction used to express the cause, reason, or consequence tied to a death event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous real-world examples from sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and serves to add meaningful context to a discussion about death, providing insights into purpose, sacrifice, or causality. Although relatively common, writers should ensure the connection between the death and its attributed cause is clear to prevent potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fatality due to

Specifies the cause of death more directly.

a loss because of

Emphasizes the loss aspect, attributing it to a specific reason.

a demise resulting from

Uses a more formal term for death and indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.

a casualty of

Highlights the person as a victim of circumstances or events.

a passing as a consequence of

Softens the term death while still pointing out the reason.

a death in retribution for

Indicates death as a form of vengeance.

a death to achieve

Highlights the purpose the death was meant to serve.

a death that resulted in

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of the death.

a sacrifice for

Conveys death as a deliberate act for a greater cause.

a mortality caused by

A more clinical and direct way to state the cause of death.

FAQs

How can I use "a death for" in a sentence?

Use "a death for" to describe a death that serves a purpose, reveals a cause, or has significant consequences. For example, "It took "a death for" the community to unite" indicates that the death was a catalyst for unity.

What are some alternatives to "a death for"?

Alternatives include "a fatality due to", "a loss because of", or "a sacrifice for", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a death for a cause"?

Yes, the phrase "a death for a cause" is grammatically correct and understandable. It signifies that someone died in service or pursuit of a particular cause.

What is the difference between "a death for" and "death by"?

"A death for" typically implies purpose or consequence related to the death, whereas "death by" indicates the direct cause of death. For example, "a death for justice" suggests the death served justice, while "death by drowning" specifies the cause of death.