death of a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "death of a" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing the demise of a person, animal, or concept. Example: "The death of a beloved character left fans in mourning." Alternative expressions include "passing of a," "loss of a," and "demise of a."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The death of a soldier.

The New Yorker

I remember doing Death of a Salesman.

Independent

The death of a teenager went unacknowledged.

The New York Times

Death of a friend or family member?

The New York Times - Books

Death of a Salesman?

The Guardian - Sport

The courageous death of a coward.

The New Yorker

We're seeing the death of a culture.

The New York Times

The death of a teammate's dad.

The New York Times - Sports

Sound like the death of a salesman?

The New York Times

BAGHDAD DIARY Death of a Regime.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight of "death of a". If the context requires a less intense term, alternatives like "end of a" or "loss of a" may be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "death of a" in overly casual or informal situations where it might sound melodramatic. Simpler terms like "end" or "failure" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "death of a" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies the termination or end of something, whether tangible or intangible. Ludwig examples show this usage in contexts ranging from the literal "death of a soldier" to the metaphorical ""death of a culture"".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "death of a" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote the end of something, ranging from literal deaths to metaphorical conclusions. Grammatically sound and highly prevalent across various sources, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, as Ludwig AI confirms. When using this phrase, consider the emotional weight it carries and whether a more neutral alternative might be appropriate. Remember it can be used metaphorically, such as in the phrase ""death of a culture"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end of a

Focuses on the cessation or termination, rather than the demise, offering a less dramatic alternative.

loss of a

Emphasizes the deprivation resulting from the termination, suitable when highlighting the negative impact.

demise of a

A more formal and often euphemistic way to describe the end or failure of something.

failure of a

Highlights the unsuccessful outcome or breakdown of something.

collapse of a

Implies a sudden and significant breakdown or failure.

cessation of a

Focuses on the act of stopping or discontinuing something, often used in formal contexts.

termination of a

A formal way to describe the ending of an agreement, contract, or process.

passing of a

A gentler, more euphemistic way to refer to the end of something, often used in the context of a person's death.

ruin of a

Suggests a state of destruction or decay, highlighting the negative consequences.

dissolution of a

Implies the breaking up or disintegration of something, often used in formal or legal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "death of a" in a sentence?

You can use "death of a" to discuss the end of something, whether it's a person's life ("the "death of a loved one""), an animal's life ("the "death of a pet""), or a more abstract concept like "the "death of a dream"".

What are some alternatives to "death of a"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "end of a", "loss of a", "demise of a", or "failure of a".

Is it appropriate to use "death of a" in formal writing?

Yes, "death of a" can be appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing serious topics. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall message. In some cases, a more neutral term like "end of a" might be preferable.

Can "death of a" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "death of a" is often used metaphorically to describe the end of something that isn't literally alive, such as "the "death of a culture"" or "the "death of a movement"". This usage is common and generally accepted.