death toll

USAGE SUMMARY

"death toll" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the number of deaths related to a particular event, such as a natural disaster or a war. For example, "The death toll from the hurricane is expected to reach over 100."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Death toll: at least thirty.

The New Yorker

The death toll rose quickly.

The New York Times

Tripoli's death toll was 45.

Independent

The death toll is high".

Independent

The death toll was rising.

The New Yorker

Death toll: eighty-five.

The New Yorker

The death toll grew.

The Guardian - Arts

Imagine the death toll!

The Guardian

The death toll mounted.

The New York Times

The death toll was impossible to assess.

The New York Times

A government spokesman confirmed the death toll.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting the "death toll", ensure accuracy by citing reliable sources. Avoid sensationalizing the numbers and focus on factual reporting.

Common error

Avoid using speculative or unverified numbers when reporting the "death toll". Always wait for official confirmation to prevent spreading misinformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "death toll" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it is correctly and widely used. It quantifies the number of deaths resulting from a specific event or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "death toll" is a common noun phrase used to describe the number of deaths resulting from a specific event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While "death toll" is generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of potential insensitivity in certain contexts, opting for alternatives like "loss of life" when appropriate. Accurate reporting and source verification are crucial when discussing the "death toll" to avoid misinformation. The phrase primarily functions to inform and convey the severity of events, with a neutral register suitable for factual reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

number of fatalities

Replaces "toll" with a more formal term, "fatalities", to emphasize the gravity of the deaths.

casualty count

Uses "casualty" which includes both deaths and injuries, broadening the scope slightly.

fatality statistics

Highlights the numerical data related to deaths, suitable for analytical contexts.

mortality rate

Refers to the proportion of deaths within a population, adding a statistical dimension.

human cost

Replaces a quantitative assessment with a qualitative emphasis on the value of lives lost.

loss of life

Emphasizes the human cost, framing the deaths as a deprivation.

lives lost

Euphemistically describes deaths, softening the directness of the phrase.

number of victims

Focuses on the individuals affected, highlighting their status as sufferers.

death statistics

Broader term including statistics of deaths from any cause.

body count

Suggests a more informal and potentially insensitive enumeration of deaths, typically in conflict.

FAQs

How is the phrase "death toll" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "death toll" is generally used as a noun, often followed by a verb that indicates an increase, decrease, or a specific number. For example, "The "death toll" continues to rise" or "The "death toll" has reached 500.

What are some alternative phrases for "death toll"?

Some alternative phrases include "number of fatalities", "casualty count" (if including injuries), or "loss of life". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "death toll" in all contexts?

While generally acceptable, "death toll" can sometimes sound insensitive, especially in personal contexts. In such cases, consider using a more empathetic phrase like "loss of life" or referring to the "number of victims".

How does "death toll" differ from "mortality rate"?

"Death toll" refers to the total number of deaths in a specific event or period. "Mortality rate", on the other hand, is a statistical measure that expresses the number of deaths in relation to a population over a specific time frame.