dead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as describing something that is no longer alive, functioning, or relevant. Example: "The battery is dead, and I need to replace it before I can use the device again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I thought you were dead".

The Guardian

I thought he was dead.

The New York Times

He's dead.

The New York Times

She was dead.

The New York Times

(It was dead).

The New York Times

Herne was set up in October 2011 to look into allegations made against the Met's Special Demonstration Squad (SDS), including using dead children's identities and engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships.

The Guardian

Edwarddead.

The New York Times - Books

It is dead.

The New York Times

Who said romance was dead?

The Guardian - Travel

These reached boiling point in the western city of Zhanaozen in late 2011 when authorities opened fire on striking workers, leaving at least 14 dead.

The Guardian

She's dead".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dead" to describe not only living organisms that are no longer alive but also inanimate objects that have ceased functioning. For example, "a dead battery".

Common error

Avoid using "dead" when you mean "deadly". "Dead" means no longer living, while "deadly" means capable of causing death. For example, a "deadly" poison can make someone "dead".

Linguistic Context

The word "dead" primarily functions as an adjective, describing a state of being no longer alive or functioning. As Ludwig AI shows, it can also function as an adverb or noun in specific contexts. Examples include "dead tired" (adverb) and "the dead of night" (noun).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "dead" is a versatile adjective, adverb, and noun that primarily conveys the state of being no longer alive or functioning. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While "dead" is generally considered neutral in register, more euphemistic alternatives such as "deceased" or "passed away" might be favored in formal or sensitive settings. Pay attention to its various functions and contexts to ensure appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deceased

A formal and respectful term for someone who has died.

lifeless

Describes something that lacks life or vitality.

passed away

A euphemistic expression for dying, often used to soften the directness of the word "dead".

no longer living

A straightforward and literal way to express that someone is "dead".

expired

A formal term, often used in legal or official contexts to indicate that something has come to an end, including a life.

inanimate

Refers to something that is not alive and lacks the capacity for movement or growth.

defunct

Describes something that is no longer functioning or in existence, such as a company or organization.

extinct

Used to describe a species or other group of organisms that no longer exists.

inert

Describes something that is inactive or has no power to move or resist.

non-functional

Describes something that is not working or operating correctly.

FAQs

How can I use "dead" in a sentence?

The word "dead" can be used in various contexts to indicate a cessation of life, activity, or function. For example, "The battery is dead", "The plant is dead", or "He is dead".

What are some synonyms for "dead"?

Alternatives to "dead" include "deceased", "lifeless", "passed away", or "no longer living", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "dead" and "deadly"?

"Dead" means no longer alive, while "deadly" means capable of causing death. A "deadly" weapon can make someone "dead".

Is it appropriate to use "dead" in formal writing?

While "dead" is a direct and commonly understood term, more formal or euphemistic alternatives like "deceased" or "passed away" may be preferred in formal or sensitive contexts.