could kill both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could kill both" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing potential harm or danger to two subjects or entities. Example: "The new virus strain is so potent that it could kill both humans and animals if not contained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Deer hunters, for example, could kill both a buck and a doe (New Mexico allowed only a buck).

Forbes

If no one ruined it for you, going in, it was very possible that Alfonso Cuarón could kill both Sandra Bullock and George Clooney and anybody else in space.

Huffington Post

Watering once a week could kill both.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The man is named in a document passed by Mr Scaramella to Mr Litvinenko as the ringleader of a group which could be planning to kill both men.

The Guardian

Some responded by counting out the ways in which Belcher could have killed both Perkins and himself without a gun — a morbid, reality-denying game.

The New Yorker

Some responded by counting out the ways in which Belcher could have killed both Perkins and himself without a gun a morbid, reality-denying game.

The New Yorker

Thankfully, that vulnerability works both ways, as Nikita demonstrated by daring her former mentor to detonate the bomb that could've killed both her and Cyrus.

Huffington Post

The surgery could kill or cripple one or both of them. 1 Judge Rejects Death Penalty A judge in a small, poor Ohio county told prosecutors they could not seek the death penalty in the murder of a college student because the county's share of the defense costs would be too great.

The New York Times

You could kill somebody.

The New Yorker

Winters could kill people.

The New York Times

It could kill them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "could kill both", ensure that the context clearly defines what 'both' refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "could kill both plants" or "could kill both candidates".

Common error

Avoid using "could kill both" in situations where the outcome is highly improbable. Reserve it for scenarios where a real and substantial threat exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could kill both" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility and potential action. It indicates that there is a chance that something might cause the death of two entities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could kill both" is a modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of a lethal outcome affecting two entities. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to warn, caution, or inform about potential dangers. Although the phrase is valid, its usage is relatively rare. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral register. To ensure clarity, remember to define what 'both' refers to when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might eliminate both

Replaces "could kill" with "might eliminate", suggesting a possibility of removal rather than direct harm.

could cause the demise of both

Substitutes "kill" with "cause the demise of", a more formal and indirect way of expressing potential death.

could lead to the destruction of both

Replaces "kill" with "lead to the destruction of", focusing on the destructive outcome.

might result in both dying

Expresses the potential outcome more directly, using "dying" instead of "kill".

may be lethal to both

Uses "lethal" to indicate the potential for causing death, a more clinical term.

could be fatal for both

Replaces "kill" with "be fatal", highlighting the potential for death.

might bring about the end of both

A more dramatic and figurative way to express the potential for causing death.

could jeopardize both

Shifts the focus to endangering both, implying a risk of harm rather than certain death.

might endanger both

Suggests a possibility of putting both at risk, a less direct consequence than death.

could annihilate both

Replaces "kill" with "annihilate", implying complete destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "could kill both" in a sentence?

You can use "could kill both" to express a potential danger or destructive outcome affecting two entities. For instance, "The disease could kill both the host and any subsequent carriers".

What are some alternatives to "could kill both"?

Alternatives include "might eliminate both", "could cause the demise of both", or "may be lethal to both", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

What does the phrase "could kill both" imply?

The phrase "could kill both" implies a situation where two specific entities face a potential threat that could result in their destruction or demise.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "could kill both"?

It is appropriate to use "could kill both" in contexts where discussing risks, dangers, or potentially lethal situations affecting two specific subjects, such as in scientific discussions or news reports about specific threats.