be fatal to the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be fatal to the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that could cause serious harm or death to a subject or entity. Example: "The new virus could be fatal to the local wildlife if not contained quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Will it be fatal to the relationship?

The New Yorker

That could, as George Monbiot has pointed out, be fatal to the project.

The Guardian - Opinion

That really would be fatal to the superpower's standing in the Muslim world.

The Economist

A loss in Ohio, rich in electoral votes, could be fatal to the Edwards campaign.

The Economist

These jarring notes may not be fatal to the play, but they are unnecessarily distracting.

The New York Times

The delayed consequences of this act were to be fatal to the dynasty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anything that seems like a cave-in to the austerity enforcers could be fatal to the new government.

The New Yorker

The flu, for instance, which can be fatal to the elderly, can usually be avoided with a shot.

The New York Times

The anonymity of virtual communities appeared to be fatal to the creation of trust and of real civic bonds.

The Economist

And it warned: "These difficulties might be fatal to the very existence of the State if it were left without support and guidance".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hooking the mind to such surfaces, Mr. Foreman says, is fatal to the unconscious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be fatal to the", consider the impact and formality of your writing. This phrase is often used in serious or formal contexts to describe significant risks or consequences. Ensure the subject and object of the phrase clearly convey the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "be fatal to the" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase's serious tone can sound melodramatic or inappropriate in lighter contexts. Opt for less dramatic alternatives like "harmful to" or "bad for" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be fatal to the" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the potential for something to cause death or a significant negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be fatal to the" is a versatile expression used to describe situations that could result in significant harm or death. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using the phrase, consider the seriousness of the situation and whether a more or less dramatic alternative would be more appropriate. Avoid using "be fatal to the" in light or informal contexts, as it can come across as melodramatic. Remember that while "be fatal for the" exists, "be fatal to the" is the preferred and more common idiomatic expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prove deadly for the

Changes the verb and maintains a similar level of formality.

result in the demise of the

Emphasizes the finality and the negative outcome.

spell the end for the

More figurative, suggesting an unavoidable conclusion.

be the ruination of the

Focuses on destruction and downfall.

cause the failure of the

Highlights a lack of success due to a specific factor.

endanger the existence of the

More formal and emphasizes the threat to survival.

put the future of the in jeopardy

Focuses on uncertainty and risk.

be the undoing of the

Highlights the reversal of fortune and downfall.

pose a threat to the

Less direct, indicating a potential danger.

precipitate the downfall of the

Emphasizes the speed and certainty of the collapse.

FAQs

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

Use "be fatal to the" to describe something that has the potential to cause death or significant harm. For instance, "The virus could "be fatal to the" elderly" or "The mistake could "be fatal to the" project".

What are some alternatives to "be fatal to the"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "be deadly to the", "endanger the existence of the", or "pose a threat to the" as alternatives to "be fatal to the".

When is it appropriate to use "be fatal to the"?

"Be fatal to the" is appropriate when discussing something that can cause significant harm or death. It's suitable for formal writing, news reports, scientific articles, and other contexts where seriousness and precision are important.

Is "be fatal for the" also correct?

While "be fatal for the" might be grammatically acceptable, ""be fatal to the"" is the more common and idiomatic expression. It is preferred in most formal contexts, based on its frequent usage in authoritative sources.