akin to death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "akin to death" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is similar to or comparable to death in nature or effect. Example: "The silence in the abandoned house was akin to death, as if time itself had stopped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

According to every study read by the blogger, this is a godforsaken place, more akin to Death Valley than any other location in Mexico's Sonoran Desert.

University of California, Berkeley

"It's akin to death by a thousand cuts," said Gary Santo, a managing director at Fitch Ratings in New York who follows the student loan business.

The New York Times

They got it wrong in Iraq (despite winning the war), they are all wrong on the economy and are akin to death on the environment.

The New York Times

The sea is itself a living, breathing entity, defining the characters' mood as the years progress: ageing surfers talk with dread about moving "inland", getting jobs and having kids, as if it were akin to death.

The Guardian - Film

In his address, Mr. Johnson said that difficult questions would be raised by the idea of a special national security court to approve something akin to death warrants, including whether it would cover only American citizens or all people deemed to be terrorists away from a so-called hot battlefield.

The New York Times

Adds Scott Foundas at Variety: "Chris Kyle saw the world in clearly demarcated terms of good and evil, and American Sniper suggests that such dichromatism may have been key to both his success and survival; on the battlefield, doubt is akin to death".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

At one point Alobidi warned: "Death in custody would be akin to a death sentence without the benefit of the court and that 'they want a way out'".

The Guardian

Or was there actually something more akin to a death horizon?

Yale University

It's probably akin to the death of a pet or a distant relative.

Independent

They believe that women should have control over their bodies and also that an abortion is akin to a death.

The New York Times

In a suburban Leeds gym, a boxer punches out a percussive rhythm akin to a death march.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "akin to death", ensure the context clearly establishes the characteristic being compared to death, such as silence, stillness, or finality.

Common error

Avoid using "akin to death" when describing actual death; instead, reserve it for metaphorical or figurative comparisons to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "akin to death" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a similarity to death. It provides a figurative or metaphorical description, highlighting certain qualities associated with death, such as stillness or finality. Ludwig examples support its role in creating vivid imagery.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "akin to death" is a versatile expression used to draw a comparison between a situation or state and the characteristics associated with death. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's often employed to emphasize the severity, finality, or eeriness of a subject, particularly in news, media, science, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and that it effectively enhances the description. While versatile, avoiding overuse in literal contexts will preserve its impact. Consider alternatives like ""resembling death"" or ""similar to death"" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar to death

A more direct and straightforward comparison.

comparable to death

Highlights the ability to draw parallels or make comparisons.

resembling death

Emphasizes a visual or superficial similarity.

deathlike

A single-word adjective expressing a resemblance to death.

tantamount to death

Suggests an equivalence in effect or consequence.

bordering on death

Indicates a state very close to death.

as good as dead

Implies a state of near-death or ineffectiveness.

like a death sentence

Highlights the negative or terminal aspect.

mirroring death

Focuses on reflecting or imitating death.

evocative of death

Suggests that something brings death to mind.

FAQs

How can I use "akin to death" in a sentence?

You can use "akin to death" to describe something that shares characteristics with death, such as stillness, silence, or finality. For example, "The silence in the abandoned house was "akin to death"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "akin to death"?

Some alternatives include "resembling death", "similar to death", or "tantamount to death", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "akin to death" a formal or informal expression?

"Akin to death" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in descriptive or literary writing. The level of formality depends on the surrounding text and the overall tone.

What's the difference between "akin to death" and "like a death sentence"?

"Akin to death" describes a state or condition resembling death, while "like a death sentence" usually refers to a punishment or situation with severe, irreversible consequences.