a death trap

USAGE SUMMARY

"a death trap" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a place or situation that is very dangerous or has the potential to cause harm or death. Example: The abandoned building was a death trap, with broken stairs and exposed wires everywhere.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a death trap".

The New York Times

"That was a death trap up there".

The New Yorker

It was a death trap.

The New York Times

The gift was supposed to be a death trap.

The New Yorker

A sheriff later described the flat as a death trap.

The Times

My coveted rooftop garden was a death trap.

The New York Times

Absolutely stunning, but a death trap for non-swimming toddlers.

The Guardian - Travel

Some journalists considered the hotel to be a death trap.

The New Yorker

"Madam Secretary, you let the consulate become a death trap.

The New York Times

The tenement turns out to be a death trap.

The New York Times - Magazine

In Cain's novels, desire is a prison, a death trap.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a death trap", ensure the context clearly indicates a high level of danger that could realistically lead to severe injury or death. Avoid using it hyperbolically for minor inconveniences.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the danger; reserve "a death trap" for scenarios with genuine risk of serious harm or fatality. Describing a slightly messy room as "a death trap" diminishes the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a death trap" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or an appositive. It identifies or describes something as extremely dangerous. Ludwig confirms its common usage in describing perilous environments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a death trap" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe extremely dangerous places or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is primarily found in news and media contexts, with academic and encyclopedic sources also contributing to its usage. While effective in conveying a sense of immediate danger, it's important to avoid overuse and reserve it for situations that genuinely pose a significant risk of serious harm or death. Alternatives like "dangerous situation" or "hazardous environment" may be more suitable in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deathtrap

A one-word alternative that maintains the intensity of danger.

a life-threatening scenario

Specifically emphasizes the risk to life involved in a particular situation.

a dangerous situation

Focuses on the dangerous aspect of a situation, without explicitly mentioning death.

a hazardous environment

Highlights the environmental dangers, suitable for physical locations or conditions.

a perilous place

Emphasizes the risk and danger associated with a specific location.

a lethal setting

Focuses on the potential for death within a particular setting.

a high-risk area

Describes an area with a significant chance of negative outcomes, including death.

a precarious condition

Highlights the instability and potential danger of a situation.

an accident waiting to happen

Suggests that a place or situation is likely to cause an accident, potentially resulting in death.

a disaster zone

Indicates an area where a severe disaster has occurred or is likely to occur.

FAQs

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

You can use "a death trap" to describe a place or situation that is extremely dangerous. For example, "The old building was "a death trap", with collapsing floors and exposed wiring."

What are some alternatives to "a death trap"?

Alternatives include phrases like "dangerous situation", "hazardous environment", or "life-threatening scenario", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a death trap" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a death trap" can be considered somewhat informal due to its strong imagery. In formal writing, consider using more neutral terms like "high-risk area" or "hazardous location".

What makes a place or situation qualify as "a death trap"?

A place or situation qualifies as "a death trap" when it presents an immediate and significant risk of serious injury or death due to its inherent hazards or design flaws. Simply being unpleasant or inconvenient does not make something "a death trap".