assumed dead

USAGE SUMMARY

'assumed dead' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone has not been seen or heard from in a long period of time, and is likely to be dead. For example, "After the plane disappeared, the passengers were assumed dead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Most are assumed dead.

The Guardian

When that version fell through, the film was assumed dead only for Eastwood to revive it.

Independent

Seventy-five people died or are missing and assumed dead as a result of the squad's actions.

The New York Times

Its occupants are Jesse, a onetime blues legend, who has long been assumed dead, and his fugitive daughter Della.

The Guardian

She said she had just seen someone she had not seen in decades whom she had assumed dead.

The Guardian

The early part of the Off Broadway season has been plentiful in resurrections, that is, revisits to plays assumed dead, or at least buried.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Generally, you don't have much to worry about because people assume dead center of the theater is the best seat... they're wrong.

WikiHow

Meanwhile, Sherlock applied fake blood, and assumed the dead position.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She has assumed her dead father's responsibility as the family provider and is also a mother surrogate for her sister, Prim.

The New York Times

Therefore, it is assumed that dead C from carbonate dissolution is the main cause of decreased 14C activity.

Geothermal Energy

Don Draper on Mad Men ditched Dick Whitman in the Korean War and assumed a dead man's identity.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assumed dead", ensure the context clearly indicates the basis for the assumption. For instance, specify if it's due to a lack of contact after a disaster or a prolonged disappearance.

Common error

Avoid using "assumed dead" when there is concrete evidence to the contrary. This phrase implies a lack of definitive proof, so using it when evidence exists can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assumed dead" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (usually a person or group of people) to indicate that they are believed to be deceased, even though there is no definitive proof of their death. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "assumed dead" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who is believed to be deceased, despite the absence of definitive proof. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it functions as a descriptive adjective phrase and is used across diverse contexts like News & Media, Wiki and Science. While it is widely accepted, it's important to ensure the context warrants the assumption and to avoid overstating certainty. Consider alternatives such as "presumed deceased" or "believed to have died" depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presumed deceased

A more formal and legalistic alternative that emphasizes the legal declaration of death in the absence of proof.

believed to have died

Emphasizes the belief or opinion that someone has died, without absolute certainty.

thought to be dead

Similar to "believed to have died", but implies a less formal or concrete basis for the belief.

missing and presumed dead

Specifies the initial state of being missing before the assumption of death is made, often used in official reports.

feared dead

Highlights the fear or concern that someone has died, often used when there is a potential for death but no confirmation.

given up for dead

Indicates that hope for someone's survival has been abandoned.

unofficially dead

Describes a state where someone is considered dead in practice but without formal declaration.

considered lost

Focuses on the disappearance of someone without explicitly mentioning death.

declared missing

The person is known to be not available at their last known location.

long lost

They were gone for so long that people forgot them.

FAQs

How do you use "assumed dead" in a sentence?

You can use "assumed dead" to describe someone who has disappeared or has not been heard from for a long time, implying they are likely deceased. For instance, "After the shipwreck, many sailors were "missing and presumed dead"".

What's a more formal way to say "assumed dead"?

A more formal alternative to "assumed dead" is "presumed deceased". This phrase is often used in legal or official contexts.

What can I say instead of "assumed dead" in a news report?

In news reports, you could use phrases like "believed to have died", or "feared dead" to convey the uncertainty surrounding the person's fate while still informing the public.

Is it correct to say "assumed to be dead"?

Yes, "assumed to be dead" is grammatically correct and conveys the same meaning as "assumed dead". Both phrases indicate a belief that someone is deceased, even without definitive proof.