deadly incident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deadly incident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that resulted in death or serious harm, often in news reports or formal writing. Example: "The police are investigating a deadly incident that occurred late last night in the downtown area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But at least one deadly incident raises questions.

The New York Times

This was the most deadly incident since then.

The New York Times

"I call for an immediate, impartial and independent investigation into this deadly incident.

The Guardian

It is unclear how the deadly incident in Branson may affect the Duck boat industry.

The Washington Post

South Carolina authorities are still investigating a similar deadly incident in that state during the storm.

The New York Times

In June, it called a deadly incident in China's far western Xinjiang region an "insurgent attack," then corrected its tweet to call it a "riot".

The New York Times

The deadly incident reminds us that U.S. diplomats, as well as envoys from Israel, France, Britain and other nations, often do their work under serious threat.

The New York Times

The most deadly incident occurred in August 1980, when a bomb placed in a crowded waiting room at a Bologna railway station killed 85 people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The same Web site also published sworn affidavits recorded within days of the deadly incident by three other international activists who were present when Ms. Corrie was killed.

The New York Times

Details of the deadly incident – which was unusual given the close political and military ties between Washington and Amman – remain under investigation.

The Guardian

The deadly incident came only 12 days after the collapse of a crane at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, in which more than 100 people were killed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always verify information from multiple reliable sources before using the phrase "deadly incident" in your writing. Accuracy is crucial when discussing events involving loss of life.

Common error

Avoid using "deadly incident" without providing sufficient context. Describe the specific event, location, and any relevant details to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deadly incident" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "deadly" modifies the noun "incident". It is typically used to categorize and label an event that has resulted in death. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deadly incident" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe an event that has resulted in fatalities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and suitable for formal writing. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase serves to inform and report on tragic events concisely. While synonyms such as "fatal occurrence" or "lethal event" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance one wishes to convey. When using "deadly incident", it's important to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's examples show the phrase's widespread use in reputable sources, underscoring its reliability in conveying serious and unfortunate events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fatal occurrence

Replaces "incident" with a more formal synonym, slightly shifting the tone.

lethal event

Substitutes "deadly" with "lethal", emphasizing the capacity to cause death.

tragic event

Focuses on the sorrowful aspect of the incident, softening the directness of "deadly".

devastating episode

Emphasizes the destructive consequences and emotional impact of the incident.

catastrophic event

Highlights the scale and disastrous nature of the incident.

grievous happening

Uses more formal and somber language to describe the incident.

fatal accident

Specifies the "deadly incident" as an unintended event, narrowing the context.

lethal confrontation

Implies a direct conflict leading to death, changing the nature of the incident.

deadly attack

Suggests a deliberate act of violence, altering the context to an assault.

lethal outbreak

Refers to a sudden and widespread occurrence of a deadly disease or violence, specifying the type of incident.

FAQs

What does "deadly incident" mean?

A "deadly incident" refers to an event that results in one or more deaths. It's a general term used to describe various types of fatal occurrences, such as accidents, attacks, or natural disasters.

What are some alternatives to "deadly incident"?

You can use alternatives like "fatal occurrence", "lethal event", or "tragic event", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "deadly incident" in formal writing?

Yes, "deadly incident" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports, official statements, and academic papers. However, ensure that the tone remains objective and respectful, focusing on factual reporting.

How does "deadly incident" differ from "serious accident"?

"Deadly incident" specifically indicates that deaths occurred, whereas "serious accident" implies severe consequences but does not necessarily involve fatalities. A "deadly incident" carries a greater weight and is reserved for events resulting in loss of life.