black death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "black death" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the bubonic plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century, causing widespread mortality. Example: "The Black Death had a profound impact on European society, leading to significant social and economic changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Black Death.

The Economist

THE Black Death was catastrophic.

The Economist

Try the Black Death.

The Washington Post

The Black Death helped undermine feudalism.

The New Yorker

The Black Death had horrific social effects.

The Economist

The Black Death had entered Europe.

The New Yorker

The Black Death struck Norway in 1349 50.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and the Black Death.

Harvard Business Review

Where did the Black Death originate?

Britannica

Rats used to spread the black death.

The Washington Post

The Black Death, however, is another story.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the "Black Death", provide context to ensure readers understand the historical significance and impact of this pandemic. Mentioning the 14th century and its effects on Europe and Asia can add clarity.

Common error

Do not reduce the "Black Death" to a mere historical footnote. Its impact was profound and multifaceted, affecting social structures, economic systems, and cultural norms. Acknowledge its complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Black Death" functions primarily as a proper noun, specifically designating a pandemic outbreak of bubonic plague that ravaged Europe and Asia in the 14th century. Ludwig examples show its use in historical and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "Black Death" refers to a devastating pandemic, primarily attributed to the bubonic plague, that swept through Europe and Asia in the 14th century. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. This historical event is a common subject in news, encyclopedias, and academic research, highlighting its profound social, economic, and cultural impacts. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, it evokes a significant and somber historical period. Related phrases, such as "bubonic plague" or "the great plague", offer alternative ways to reference this event. When writing about the "Black Death", providing historical context and acknowledging its complexity are essential for clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the bubonic plague

Specifically refers to the type of plague caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.

bubonic plague pandemic

Focuses on the specific disease and its widespread nature.

the great plague

Refers to the magnitude and historical significance of the event.

14th-century plague

Highlights the time period when the plague occurred.

the plague

A more concise way of referring to the same event, assuming context is clear.

medieval pandemic

Emphasizes the historical context and scale of the disease.

yersinia pestis outbreak

Identifies the scientific name of the bacteria responsible and the nature of the event.

the plague of 1348

Specifically denotes the year the plague started spreading rapidly.

pestilence of the middle ages

Highlights the context of the pestilence.

the great mortality

Emphasizes the high death toll.

FAQs

How did the "Black Death" affect Europe?

The "Black Death" led to massive population decline, labor shortages, and significant social and economic upheaval. It also influenced art, literature, and religious beliefs of the time.

What were some alternative names for the "Black Death"?

The "Black Death" was also known as the bubonic plague, the great plague, or simply "the plague", especially when the context made it clear which outbreak was being discussed.

How is the bubonic plague related to the "Black Death"?

The "Black Death" is primarily attributed to the bubonic plague, a disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which spread through fleas on rodents.

What were the social and economic consequences of the "Black Death"?

The "Black Death" caused labor shortages, leading to higher wages for surviving workers and the decline of feudalism. It also triggered social unrest and religious questioning.