accidental casualties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accidental casualties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to unintended deaths or injuries that occur as a result of an event, such as a disaster or conflict. Example: "The earthquake resulted in numerous accidental casualties, highlighting the need for better emergency preparedness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Paying more attention to these individual steps could reduce accidental casualties, Army commanders say.

The New York Times

Commanders say the aim is to integrate the new instruction into existing battle planning and training and increase awareness of preventing accidental casualties.

The New York Times

In Iraq, the majority of accidental casualties have been caused by air-to-ground attacks, said Lt. Col. Wayne Shanks of the Joint Forces Command.

The New York Times - Tech

But the campaign to avoid "fratricide," as the Army calls the accidental casualties, carries a personal resonance with the legions of officers and enlisted soldiers who served in the gulf war and live with the haunting memories of friends killed by inadvertent American fire.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, on another molehill, in a wonderful piece of stylisation, the pious King Henry - a political vacuum at the centre of the conflict - is joined by two accidental casualties of self-destructive violence, a son who has killed his father and a father who has killed his son, for a three-part lament on all the insane factionalism.

The Guardian

Many combat veterans tell stories of comrades who shot themselves, but who were reported as "non-combat" or "accidental" casualties.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

OF ALL the countries in Latin America, Argentina was the most serious accidental casualty of Mexico's currency collapse in 1994-95.

The Economist

Primary Sources: Sarin in the Sky When the Army tested sarin, a deadly chemical first developed in Nazi Germany, an accidental casualty in 1952 prompted a detailed study of the agent's effects.

The New Yorker

Witt, 38, says he is still good friends with Chris Simon and Craig Berube -- a veteran enforcer who served first as an opponent, then mentor and buddy, and once even an accidental casualty.

Huffington Post

Aerial bombardment increases the risk of accidental civilian casualties, however.

The New York Times

These restrictions would be part of a program to limit accidental civilian casualties should bombing play a larger role in the months ahead, commanders say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics like conflicts or disasters, use "accidental casualties" to accurately describe unintended harm without assigning blame prematurely. Be direct and informative.

Common error

Avoid replacing "accidental casualties" with overly vague euphemisms. While sensitivity is important, clarity ensures that the gravity of the situation is not undermined. Be direct and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accidental casualties" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes unintended deaths or injuries resulting from an event. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from military conflicts to industrial accidents.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accidental casualties" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe unintended deaths or injuries. According to Ludwig AI, it accurately refers to unintended deaths or injuries that occur as a result of an event, such as a disaster or conflict. The analysis reveals that the phrase is primarily used in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While alternatives like "unintended fatalities" or "collateral damage" exist, "accidental casualties" offers a clear and direct way to convey factual information without assigning blame. Ludwig's examples and additional analysis highlight the importance of using precise language when discussing sensitive topics, making it a valuable term for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unintended fatalities

Focuses specifically on deaths that were not intended.

inadvertent losses

Highlights the unintentional nature of the losses.

unintentional injuries and deaths

Expands the scope to include both injuries and deaths, emphasizing their unintentional nature.

collateral damage

Often used in military contexts, referring to unintended harm to civilians or non-military targets.

friendly fire incidents

Specifically refers to casualties caused by one's own side in a conflict.

regrettable incidents

Emphasizes the sorrow or regret associated with the unintended harm.

unexpected harm

Highlights the surprise and lack of anticipation associated with the casualties.

chance mishaps

Focuses on the accidental and unpredictable nature of the events leading to casualties.

unforeseen consequences

Draws attention to the fact that the casualties were not predicted or planned for.

tragic accidents

Emphasizes the severity and unfortunate nature of the accidental events.

FAQs

What does "accidental casualties" mean?

The term "accidental casualties" refers to unintended deaths or injuries resulting from an event, such as a military conflict, industrial accident, or natural disaster. It emphasizes that the harm was not deliberate.

How to use "accidental casualties" in a sentence?

You can use "accidental casualties" in a sentence like this: "The bombing raid resulted in several "accidental casualties" among the civilian population."

What can I say instead of "accidental casualties"?

You can use alternatives like "unintended fatalities", "inadvertent losses", or "collateral damage", depending on the context.

Is "accidental casualties" the same as "collateral damage"?

While both terms refer to unintended harm, "collateral damage" is typically used in military contexts to describe unintended harm to civilians or non-military targets, while "accidental casualties" has a broader application across various scenarios.