died at birth

USAGE SUMMARY

"died at birth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an infant who died shortly after being born. For example: "My aunt's first baby died at birth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Her twin died at birth.

The New Yorker

Three of her children died at birth.

The Guardian

Many were babies who died at birth.

The Guardian

Jennifer: "She should have died at birth.

The New Yorker

All of its girls, he wrote, had died at birth.

The New York Times

Keegan was Bennell's twin brother, who died at birth.

The Guardian

Three of her children died at birth, and Andrew battled alcoholism for years.

The Economist

Kajiyama, born with collapsed lungs, was deprived of oxygen and nearly died at birth.

The New York Times - Sports

Three other children died at birth -- tragedies that Mitford humbly, feelingly describes.

The New York Times

Her twin sister died at birth, and she became the oldest of four girls.

The New York Times

"The significance of 23?" replies Alan Gardner, reviving a riff I thought had died at birth.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics like "died at birth", ensure your language is respectful and considerate of potential readers who may have experienced similar losses.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "died at birth" casually or in contexts that diminish the gravity of infant loss. Always prioritize sensitivity and empathy when addressing this topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "died at birth" functions as a concise declarative statement indicating that a death occurred at the time of delivery. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in both personal narratives and formal reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "died at birth" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a death that occurs at the time of delivery. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English. Its frequency across various domains, including News & Media and Science, underscores its widespread use. While the phrase itself is neutral, sensitivity is crucial when discussing the topic. Alternative phrases such as "stillborn" or "perinatal death" may be appropriate depending on the context. When using this phrase, consider the audience and prioritize respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stillborn

This term is a single-word adjective directly indicating that a baby was born dead.

death at childbirth

This alternative focuses on the event of childbirth as the context of death.

perinatal death

This is a more clinical and general term encompassing deaths occurring shortly before or after birth.

infant mortality at delivery

This phrase specifies that the death falls under the category of infant mortality and occurs during delivery.

passed away during childbirth

This is a more euphemistic way of saying the baby died during the birthing process.

expired at birth

Uses "expired" as a formal synonym for died, emphasizing the end of life.

did not survive childbirth

This phrase focuses on the lack of survival through the process of childbirth.

fatally born

This uses "fatally" to describe the nature of the birth, implying a death sentence from the moment of birth.

life ended at birth

Directly states that the lifespan concluded at the moment of birth.

born deceased

Reorders the concept to emphasize the state of being deceased at the time of birth.

FAQs

What is another way to say "died at birth"?

Alternative phrases include "stillborn", "death at childbirth", or "perinatal death", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "died at birth" in formal writing?

Yes, "died at birth" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly in medical, scientific, or historical contexts. More euphemistic alternatives may be preferred in personal or sensitive communications.

What is the difference between "died at birth" and "infant mortality"?

"Died at birth" refers specifically to deaths occurring at the moment of birth. "Infant mortality" is a broader term encompassing deaths within the first year of life.

How can I use "died at birth" in a sentence?

You might say, "The records indicate that three children "died at birth" in the village last year" or "Her twin sister "died at birth", making her the eldest of four girls."