cause of death

USAGE SUMMARY

"cause of death" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the medical reason for someone's passing. For example, "The coroner's report stated that the cause of death was a heart attack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cause of death: accidental.

Independent

Cause of death.

The New York Times

And the cause of death?

Independent

Cause of Death, 1994.

Cornell University

The cause of death?

The New York Times

The cause of death was leukemia.

The New York Times

His cause of death is currently unknown.

Independent

No cause of death had been determined.

The New York Times - Sports

The cause of death was drowning.

The New York Times

The cause of death was coronary thrombosis.

The New York Times

The cause of death was bacterial sepsis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting the "cause of death", ensure accuracy and reliability by referencing official sources such as death certificates or coroner's reports. This avoids spreading misinformation and respects the deceased.

Common error

Avoid confusing the "cause of death" (the medical reason) with the manner of death (natural, accidental, homicide, suicide, or undetermined). The cause explains how someone died, while the manner categorizes the circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause of death" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies the specific reason or event leading to a person's death. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used in factual reporting and medical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause of death" is a frequently used noun phrase that indicates the medical or specific reason a person died. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts like news reports, academic papers, and encyclopedic entries. While variations exist, such as "reason for death" or "etiology of death", it's crucial to distinguish between the cause (the medical explanation) and the manner (circumstances surrounding the death). When using this phrase, accuracy is paramount, so referencing official sources is highly recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official cause of death

This alternative specifies that the cause of death has been formally determined and recorded.

reason for death

This alternative is a more general way to express the underlying explanation of death.

underlying cause of death

This alternative focuses on the primary condition that initiated the chain of events leading to death.

immediate cause of death

This alternative refers to the final event or condition that directly resulted in death.

etiology of death

This alternative is a more formal and scientific term referring to the study of the causes of death.

mechanism of death

This alternative refers to the specific physiological process that led to death.

contributing factors to death

This alternative acknowledges that multiple factors may have played a role in causing the death.

circumstances of death

This alternative focuses on the conditions and events surrounding the death, not necessarily the direct medical cause.

fatal condition

This alternative is a more general term referring to the condition that resulted in death.

manner of death

This alternative refers to the classification of death (e.g., natural, accidental, homicide, suicide).

FAQs

How is "cause of death" determined?

The "cause of death" is typically determined by a medical professional, such as a physician or coroner, through examination of the deceased, review of medical history, and sometimes an autopsy. This information is then recorded on the death certificate.

What's the difference between "cause of death" and "manner of death"?

The "cause of death" is the specific disease or injury that directly led to death (e.g., heart attack, stroke). The manner of death categorizes the circumstances, such as "natural causes", "accidental", "suicide", "homicide", or "undetermined".

What are some common alternatives to "cause of death"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "reason for death", "etiology of death" (more formal), or "fatal condition".

Why is it important to accurately report the "cause of death"?

Accurate reporting of the "cause of death" is crucial for public health statistics, medical research, and legal purposes. It helps track disease trends, inform preventative measures, and ensure proper investigation of suspicious deaths.