deadlier than

USAGE SUMMARY

"deadlier than" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to compare the degree of danger or harm between two things, with the implication that the first thing is more dangerous or harmful than the second. Example: "The new strain of the virus is deadlier than the previous one, causing more fatalities in a shorter amount of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It comes from the article "That Cuddly Kitty Is Deadlier Than You Think" Use our questions for test prep or just for fun.

The New York Times

Fentanyl: The Drug Deadlier Than Heroin.

Vice

Fentanyl, the Drug Deadlier Than Heroin, Has Reached the UK.

Vice

This would make El Salvador almost 20 times deadlier than the US and 90 times deadlier than the UK.

The Guardian

"They would be deadly as weapons — far deadlier than lead".

The New Yorker

BG Is Sergio Agüero deadlier than even Messi and Ronaldo?

The Guardian - Sport

Fouchier hoped to characterize the properties that make the virus so much deadlier than others.

The New Yorker

Bruce Edwards, of course, was hit by something even deadlier than a bus: an incurable illness.

The New York Times - Sports

That made it three times deadlier than the "Spanish flu" of 1918, which claimed an estimated 100m lives.

The Economist

After the Second World War, intelligence reports emerged from Germany of chemical weapons far deadlier than mustard or chlorine.

The New Yorker

He had faced down an enemy much older, and in the grand scheme of things far deadlier, than the Confederacy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the lethality of two things, ensure the context is clear and the comparison is accurate. For instance, specify the conditions under which something is "deadlier than" something else to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "deadlier than" without providing sufficient context. For example, stating "X is deadlier than Y" without specifying age groups, pre-existing conditions or environmental factors can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deadlier than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a higher degree of lethality or danger compared to another entity. Ludwig shows this phrase used across various contexts to draw comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deadlier than" is a very common comparative phrase used to indicate a higher degree of danger or lethality between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, it's important to provide clear context when making such comparisons. Alternatives include "more lethal than" and "more dangerous than", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more lethal than

Replaces "deadlier" with "lethal", a synonym with a slightly more formal tone.

more dangerous than

Substitutes "deadlier" with "dangerous", broadening the scope from just death to general harm.

poses a greater threat than

Shifts the focus to the threat level, implying a higher potential for harm.

represents a higher risk than

Highlights the increased risk factor associated with the subject.

more devastating than

Emphasizes the destructive impact or consequences, not just the lethality.

inflicts more casualties than

Focuses on the number of victims or losses caused.

has a higher mortality rate than

Specifically refers to the statistical probability of death.

is more harmful than

Uses a more general term, "harmful", to indicate damage or negative effects.

is a bigger killer than

More informal and direct, emphasizing the act of killing.

surpasses in lethality

A more formal and somewhat literary way of expressing greater deadliness.

FAQs

How can I use "deadlier than" in a sentence?

Use "deadlier than" to compare the relative danger or lethality of two things. For example, "This strain of flu is "deadlier than" the common cold."

What are some alternatives to "deadlier than"?

You can use alternatives like "more lethal than", "more dangerous than", or "poses a greater threat than" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "deadlier than" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific tone and audience. More formal alternatives like "has a higher mortality rate than" might be preferable in certain academic or professional contexts.

What factors determine if something is "deadlier than" something else?

Factors can include mortality rate, the speed at which it causes harm, and the extent of its impact. For example, a disease with a higher mortality rate and rapid progression could be considered "deadlier than" one with a lower mortality rate and slower progression.