bonds of death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bonds of death" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing themes of mortality, deep connections, or the finality of relationships. Example: "In the novel, the characters are bound by the bonds of death, which ultimately shape their destinies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It requires a particularly solipsistic optimism to believe that an individual's trauma, if suitably interesting, can break the bonds of death, and so it played to the vanity of the religious, finding a natural home in pious Victorian households.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pivotal moment comes at Eastertime (Volume 22), where the sepulchral chants of "Christ lag in Todesbanden" ("Christ lay in the bonds of death") give way to the brassy shouts of "Der Himmel lacht!

The New Yorker

As evidence, she points to snippets of tunes from several of Bach's sacred works meditating on death, especially the Cantata No. 4, "Christ Lag in Todesbanden" ("Christ Lay in the Bonds of Death"), which insistently reworks an Easter hymn by Martin Luther.

The New York Times - Arts

The argument put forward by Helga Thoene, a retired German violin teacher, is that the chaconne is based largely on snatches of melody from several Bach choral works, notably the Cantata No. 4, "Christ Lag in Todesbanden" ("Christ Lay in the Bonds of Death").

The New York Times - Arts

Andreas Hammerschmidt's gorgeous, multifaceted setting of the ancient chorale "Christ Lag in Todesbanden" ("Christ Lay in the Bonds of Death"), on the other hand, seemed to step to the very threshold of Bach's Cantata No. 4, which similarly uses the text and some variant of the tune throughout.

The New York Times - Arts

And finally, with the cut of the knife, "I succeeded in crying out, the bonds of death were separated, and I returned to life".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Or worse, would I be dispatched by the cellphone itself, swiftly transformed into a Bond-like instrument of death?

The New York Times

The idea that young men (and now women) want and need a rite of passage into adulthood that takes them out into the world to test and prove themselves, and that includes high stakes, extreme challenges, extreme bonding and risk of death, is as old as the Trojan War and older.

The New York Times

If insurance companies get their way and the quality of American health care continues to decline, the value of "death bonds" life insurance policies bought from the sick and elderly that increase in value the sooner the policyholders die will skyrocket.

Huffington Post

Some families shared their feelings of joy and thankfulness, as well as pain and grief, strengthening their bonds on the brink of death.

BMC Nursing

The trials are similar: the exposure to the elements, the lack of sleep, the stockpiling of weapons, the constant threat of physical harm, the lack of status, the strangers with whom you must quickly learn to bond and the presence of death and illness as everyday sights.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using the phrase "bonds of death" to create a solemn or reflective tone, especially when discussing themes of loss, grief, or the human condition.

Common error

Avoid using "bonds of death" in contexts where a lighter or more casual tone is appropriate. The phrase carries a heavy connotation and may be jarring if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bonds of death" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, referring to the connections, ties, or constraints associated with mortality and the state of being dead. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and present in different sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bonds of death" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that expresses a connection to mortality, loss, or the consequences of death. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and fits in contexts that discuss mortality and deep connections. While not a common phrase, it is used in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, predominantly in news and media or scientific contexts. To ensure proper usage, consider the solemn tone and the specific meaning you want to convey. Alternatives include "ties of mortality" or "chains of demise".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bonds of mortality

Similar to "ties of mortality", but using "bonds" for a stronger connection.

ties of mortality

Focuses on the constraints and limitations imposed by mortality.

chains of demise

Emphasizes the restrictive and inescapable nature of death.

shadow of death

Emphasizes the looming presence and influence of death.

links to the afterlife

Highlights connections or relationships with the realm beyond death.

inescapable fate

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of death as a destiny.

the ultimate connection

Highlights death as the definitive and concluding link.

eternal connection

Emphasizes the lasting nature of relationships or links that persist even after death.

final embrace

Highlights the ultimate and conclusive nature of death's hold.

grasp of eternity

Focuses on the hold that the eternal realm has on mortal beings.

FAQs

How can I use "bonds of death" in a sentence?

You can use "bonds of death" to describe the inescapable nature of mortality, spiritual connections, or the lasting impact of death on relationships. For example, "The characters in the novel were bound by the "bonds of death", shaping their destinies."

What phrases are similar to "bonds of death"?

Similar phrases include "ties of mortality", "chains of demise", or "links to the afterlife", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "bonds of death" a common phrase?

The phrase "bonds of death" is not exceedingly common, but it is grammatically correct and appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Its usage is typically reserved for more solemn or reflective contexts.

What's the difference between "bonds of death" and "shadow of death"?

"Bonds of death" suggests connections or constraints related to death, while "shadow of death" emphasizes the looming presence or influence of death. The former implies a relationship, while the latter implies an approaching threat or presence.