be fatal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be fatal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that could lead to death or serious consequences. Example: "If the disease is not treated promptly, it could be fatal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mistakes can be fatal.

Independent

That would be fatal".

The New Yorker

"It may be fatal".

The New Yorker

Cuts could be fatal".

Independent

"It could be fatal".

The New York Times - Sports

Failure could be fatal.

Independent

To delay would be "fatal".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rare cases can be fatal.

The New York Times

The aneurysm can be fatal.

The New Yorker

Occasionally, they can be fatal.

The New York Times

Such ignorance can be fatal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be fatal", ensure the context clearly establishes what action or condition leads to the deadly outcome. This enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "be fatal" excessively in everyday situations that aren't genuinely life-threatening. Overusing such strong language can diminish its impact when describing truly serious scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be fatal" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's potential to cause death. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the usage of this phrase is correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be fatal" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the potential for death or severe consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in various contexts, primarily in news, media, and formal communications. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve its use for genuinely serious situations to maintain its impact and avoid overuse. When looking for synonyms, consider options like "result in death" or "prove deadly" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

result in death

Focuses on the outcome of death, rather than the characteristic of being deadly.

prove deadly

Emphasizes the demonstration of deadliness over time.

lead to mortality

Uses a more formal and clinical term for death.

cause demise

Highlights the act of causing something to end or die.

have lethal consequences

Shifts focus to the results and seriousness of the situation.

end in fatality

Highlights that the final outcome of an event is death.

be life-threatening

Indicates an immediate danger to life.

carry a risk of death

Emphasizes the possibility or probability of death.

spell the end

Suggests a definitive and unavoidable conclusion.

bring about destruction

Focuses on the destructive aspect rather than explicitly mentioning death.

FAQs

How can I use "be fatal" in a sentence?

The phrase "be fatal" is typically used to describe something that can cause death. For example, "If left untreated, the infection can be fatal."

What are some alternatives to "be fatal"?

You can use alternatives such as "result in death", "prove deadly", or "lead to mortality" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "be fatal" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "be fatal" is a strong phrase best suited for serious or formal contexts. In informal settings, consider using less dramatic alternatives.

What makes a situation qualify for the description of "be fatal"?

A situation qualifies for the description "be fatal" when it poses a significant and direct risk of causing death. The severity of the consequences should align with the gravity of the term.