are dead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are dead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is no longer alive or functioning. Example: "The plants in the garden are dead due to the lack of water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Husbands are dead.

The New Yorker

They are dead now.

The New Yorker

"Those guys are dead".

The New Yorker

"Yes, they are dead.

The New York Times

"Newsreels are dead.

The New Yorker

Five Israelis are dead.

The New York Times

Some men are dead".

The New York Times - Books

All are dead.

The New York Times

Habits are dead patterns.

The New Yorker

Both grandfathers are dead".

The New York Times

Some are dead.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are dead", consider your audience and the context. In sensitive situations, more euphemistic alternatives like "have passed away" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While "are dead" can be used figuratively to describe something no longer relevant or popular, overusing it can diminish its impact. Opt for more nuanced expressions to convey obsolescence or irrelevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are dead" functions as a linking verb phrase connecting a plural subject to a predicate adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, primarily to describe a state of non-existence or cessation of function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are dead" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that multiple subjects have ceased to live or function. As Ludwig AI verifies, it's frequently found in news media, science, and formal business contexts. While straightforward, consider using more sensitive alternatives in delicate situations. Avoid overuse in figurative language to maintain impact. In essence, "are dead" is a direct and widely understood way to convey a state of non-existence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are no longer alive

Directly states the absence of life, suitable for living beings.

have passed away

Replaces "are dead" with a more euphemistic and formal expression for death.

have ceased to exist

Focuses on the termination of existence, applicable to both living and non-living entities.

have expired

Implies the end of a valid or functional period, often used for contracts or perishable items.

are defunct

Indicates something is no longer in use or operation, often used for organizations or systems.

are non-operational

Highlights the lack of functionality, suitable for machines or systems.

are extinct

Specifically refers to the complete disappearance of a species or type.

are terminated

Emphasizes the formal ending or cancellation of something, such as a contract or project.

are kaput

An informal way to express that something is broken or finished.

are six feet under

An idiom that refers to the burial of someone.

FAQs

How can I use "are dead" in a sentence?

You can use "are dead" to describe something that is no longer alive, functioning, or relevant. For example, "The plants in the garden are dead because of the drought."

What can I say instead of "are dead" to be more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "have passed away" or "have ceased to exist" as alternatives to "are dead".

Which is correct, "are dead" or "is dead"?

"Are dead" is used for plural subjects, while "is dead" is used for singular subjects. For example, "The plants are dead," but "The plant is dead."

What's the difference between "are dead" and "are dying"?

"Are dead" indicates a completed state of death, while "are dying" indicates a process that is currently happening. For example, "The flowers are dead," means they have already died, while "The flowers are dying," means they are in the process of dying.