because if it bleeds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "because if it bleeds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing vulnerability, risk, or the idea that something is newsworthy if it involves suffering or danger. Example: "The media often focuses on sensational stories, because if it bleeds, it leads."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In large part because "if it bleeds, it leads".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If it bleeds, it leads.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If it bleeds, it leads," is the modern media maxim.

The Guardian

"If it bleeds, it lives," Dr. Macchiarini said.

The New York Times - Health

When the world does start paying attention, let us hope it is because Mauritanians are no less deserving of their rights, rather than the self-interests of world powers, or the morbid media mantra: "If it bleeds, it leads".

The Guardian - Opinion

"If it bleeds, it leads" is a mantra familiar to most journos.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the old newsroom saying goes, "If it bleeds, it leads".

Huffington Post

Richard's rhetorical strategy follows the first principle of tabloid reporting: "If it bleeds, it leads".

The New Yorker

THERE is a well-worn but telling newspaper industry joke: "If it bleeds, it leads".

The New York Times

"If it bleeds, it leads," Joe says, reciting an old mantra of his métier.

The New Yorker

'If It Bleeds, It Lives' If you cannot cough, you're dead.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase sparingly to avoid sounding cynical or sensationalistic. It's most effective when critiquing media tendencies.

Common error

Avoid using "because if it bleeds" in situations where you're not specifically discussing media or public attention to negative events. Using it loosely can make your writing seem inappropriately dramatic or insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "because if it bleeds" functions as a causal connector, linking a reason (the presence of blood or tragedy) to a consequence (increased attention or prominence). The Ludwig AI confirms its usability, typically within contexts discussing vulnerability or sensationalism. This construction explains why certain events capture public interest.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "because if it bleeds" serves as a causal connector, primarily used to critique media sensationalism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it explains why certain events, particularly those involving tragedy or violence, capture public attention. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare and leans towards informal contexts such as news and opinion pieces. When employing this phrase, it's best to be mindful of its critical tone and potential to sound cynical. Alternatives like "due to its sensational nature" or "given that violence sells" may offer more neutral options depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

since if there's bloodshed

Replaces "because" with "since" and focuses on the presence of bloodshed.

as long as it involves blood

Emphasizes the condition of involving blood as the reason for attention.

given that gore is present

More formal, highlighting the presence of gore as a given condition.

seeing that violence sells

Highlights the commercial aspect of violence attracting attention.

considering if tragedy occurs

Focuses on tragedy as the condition leading to attention.

due to the prevalence of injury

Highlights the prevalence of injury as the cause.

owing to sensationalism's draw

Points out the inherent attraction of sensationalism.

because of the focus on trauma

Emphasizes the focus on traumatic events as the reason.

since catastrophe draws attention

Highlights catastrophe as the element that draws attention.

as trauma narratives dominate

Indicates the dominance of trauma narratives in attracting attention.

FAQs

What does "if it bleeds, it leads" mean?

The phrase "if it bleeds, it leads" is a journalistic saying that means news outlets often prioritize sensational or violent stories to attract viewers or readers. "Because if it bleeds" extends this idea by suggesting that the reason for something's prominence is its shocking or tragic nature.

How can I use "because if it bleeds" in a sentence?

You can use "because if it bleeds" to explain why a particular event is receiving a lot of attention, implying that the attention is due to the event's violent or tragic nature. For example, "The story dominated the headlines, because if it bleeds, it leads."

What are some alternatives to "because if it bleeds"?

Alternatives include phrases like "due to its sensational nature", "because of the focus on tragedy", or "given that violence sells". You can also use "since if there's bloodshed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "because if it bleeds" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "because if it bleeds" leans toward informal. While it can appear in news or opinion pieces, it's often used to critique journalistic practices, giving it a somewhat cynical or critical tone, and it can be replaced by a more formal expression as "given that gore is present".