are deceased

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are deceased" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has died, often in a formal or respectful context. Example: "The records show that the individuals listed in this document are deceased."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both are deceased.

The New York Times

The originals are deceased.

The Guardian - Music

Rodolfo and Vasco are deceased.

The New York Times

The trouble is, both men are deceased.

The New York Times

"Their mother and father are deceased," she said.

The New York Times

Two of her children, Irving & Mildred, are deceased.

The New York Times

"We have multiple victims inside who are deceased," Lanier added.

The Guardian

Her three siblings are deceased, Dr. Walker said.

The New York Times

Police said four officers are deceased and seven injured.

The Washington Post

Of those that remain on the list, 30 are deceased.

The Guardian

Father Novak's parents, Spiro and Pauline Novak, are deceased.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are deceased" in formal writing when you want to convey respect and seriousness, such as in legal documents, obituaries, or historical accounts.

Common error

Avoid using "are deceased" in informal conversation or casual writing, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "have died" or "passed away" in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are deceased" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that the subject is no longer alive. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase, typically employed in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are deceased" is a grammatically correct and formal way to indicate that someone has died. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is best suited for formal writing, such as legal documents, obituaries, and news reports, where a respectful and serious tone is required. While "are deceased" is commonly used, especially in news and media, be mindful of the context and audience, opting for simpler alternatives like "have died" or "passed away" in more casual settings. Remember that the choice of words can significantly impact the tone and reception of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have died

A more direct and common way to state that someone is no longer living.

have passed away

A euphemistic and gentler way to say that someone has died, often used to soften the impact of the news.

are no longer living

A straightforward and unambiguous way to indicate that someone is dead.

have departed

A more formal and somewhat poetic way to say someone has died.

are late

A concise way to indicate someone's death, primarily used in formal obituaries or announcements.

are dead

A blunt and direct way to state that someone has died, lacking the formality of "are deceased".

rest in peace

An expression of hope for the deceased's eternal repose, differing significantly in structure and intent.

met their demise

A stark and often dramatic way to express the fact that someone has died, typically highlighting the finality of death.

are gone

A simple way to indicate that someone has died or disappeared permanently.

ceased to exist

A philosophical or scientific way to refer to the end of someone's life, focusing on the cessation of existence.

FAQs

What does "are deceased" mean?

The phrase "are deceased" means that someone has died. It is a formal way of saying that someone is no longer living and is often used in official or legal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "are deceased"?

It is most appropriate to use "are deceased" in formal documents, obituaries, or any situation where a respectful and serious tone is required. In everyday conversation, alternatives like "have passed away" or "have died" may be more suitable.

What can I say instead of "are deceased"?

You can use alternatives such as "have died", "have passed away", "are no longer living", or "have departed" depending on the context and level of formality required.

Is there a difference between "are deceased" and "are dead"?

Yes, while both phrases indicate that someone has died, "are deceased" is more formal and respectful. "Are dead" is a more direct and less nuanced way of stating the same fact and may be perceived as blunt in some contexts. Using "are deceased" shows greater sensitivity, especially in official or sensitive communications.