all but dead

USAGE SUMMARY

'all but dead' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is almost completely lifeless or inactive, either metaphorically or literally. For example: "The town was all but dead after the factory closed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The tourist industry is all but dead.

The Economist

Coalwood is all but dead now.

The Guardian

Oghi thought he was all but dead.

The New Yorker

By game time, the issue was all but dead.

The New Yorker

The official road map seems all but dead.

The Economist

Kingfisher, once India's second-biggest airline, is all but dead.

The Economist

The mutual concept is all but dead in this country.

Independent

The brand had been all but dead until that point.

The Guardian - Books

Communism is all but dead, and socialism is passe.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But at least the firm is back from the all-but dead.

The Economist

The pressures to take on an all-but-dead surname are, in fact, overwhelming.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all but dead" to describe situations or entities that are not literally deceased but have effectively ceased to function or exist in a meaningful way. This idiom works well to convey a sense of near-total decline or failure.

Common error

Avoid using "all but dead" in situations where a literal death is involved unless you're emphasizing a prior state. The phrase is more effective when describing metaphorical or functional endings rather than actual fatalities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all but dead" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of near-total cessation or inoperability. Ludwig examples show it describing everything from industries to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all but dead" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to describe something that is nearing its end or has effectively ceased to function. It's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts but can be used across various writing styles, barring very formal or technical documents where more precise alternatives might be preferred. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is readily accepted in English, making it a versatile tool for expressing near-complete states of decline or cessation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for all intents and purposes dead

Adds a layer of formality, emphasizing that it might not literally be dead, but it is in effect

as good as gone

Emphasizes the idea that something is leaving or disappearing.

nearly extinct

Specifically refers to the near disappearance of a species or type of thing.

on its last legs

Implies something is in a state of decline and near failure.

virtually nonexistent

Focuses on the absence of something, rather than its state of being near death.

on the verge of collapse

Highlights the imminence of a catastrophic failure or breakdown.

almost ceased to exist

Formal and direct statement of something's near-total disappearance.

practically finished

Highlights the completion or ending of something.

close to expiring

Focuses on the idea of something reaching the end of its lifespan or validity.

in its twilight years

Implies something is nearing the end of its existence, often with a sense of nostalgia.

FAQs

How can I use "all but dead" in a sentence?

You can use "all but dead" to describe something that is almost completely gone or finished. For example, "The project was "as good as gone" after funding was cut."

What's a less dramatic alternative to "all but dead"?

If you want a less dramatic alternative, consider phrases like "nearly finished" or "virtually nonexistent", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "all but dead" in formal writing?

While "all but dead" is widely understood, it might be perceived as too informal for some academic or professional contexts. In such cases, consider more precise or formal alternatives like "nearly obsolete" or "practically defunct".

What's the difference between "all but dead" and "completely dead"?

"All but dead" implies something is very close to being dead but not quite, leaving a small chance of recovery or revival. "Completely dead" indicates a final, irreversible state with no possibility of return. The distinction lies in that slight possibility, however small.