does not kill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not kill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the consequences of actions or behaviors, often in a philosophical or metaphorical sense. Example: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, as the saying goes, suggesting that challenges can lead to personal growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

AIDS does not kill directly.

The Economist

It does not kill women.

The New York Times

She does not kill him.

The New Yorker

Writing does not kill people.

The New York Times

It does not kill innocents.

The New York Times

Air pollution alone does not kill you.

The Guardian

Food that does not kill us.

The Guardian

If Fred does not kill me.

The Guardian

Food that does not kill the planet.

The Guardian

At the novel's end, Dressler does not kill himself.

The New York Times

Refrigeration prevents bacterial reproduction but does not kill these microorganisms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does not kill" to emphasize the non-fatal consequence of an action or condition. For a more nuanced message, consider alternatives like "does not harm" or "is not lethal" depending on the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "does not kill" in situations where the potential for death is highly unlikely or exaggerated. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not kill" primarily functions as a predicate in a sentence. It indicates the absence of a fatal outcome. As Ludwig AI points out, it's used to describe situations where death is not the direct result of an action or condition. The examples show its use in diverse scenarios, from discussing diseases to analyzing the effects of policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does not kill" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating the absence of a fatal outcome. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in a range of contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. Its primary function is to inform or clarify that something lacks the ability to cause death, and while generally neutral, it is important to avoid overuse in overly dramatic contexts. When precision is paramount, consider alternatives like "is not fatal" or "does not harm" to better suit the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not fatal

Focuses specifically on the absence of a deadly outcome.

is not lethal

A more formal synonym for "is not fatal".

is not deadly

Similar to "is not lethal", but slightly less formal.

does not harm

Broadens the scope to include any kind of damage or injury, not just death.

fails to kill

Highlights the lack of success in causing death.

does not destroy

Implies a more complete form of damage than simply killing.

spares the life of

Highlights the act of saving someone from death.

preserves life

Emphasizes the positive aspect of maintaining life instead of the absence of death.

leaves unharmed

Focuses on the lack of any negative impact.

does not eradicate

Focuses on complete removal or elimination, rather than just causing death.

FAQs

How can I use "does not kill" in a sentence?

You can use "does not kill" to describe something that stops short of causing death, such as, "The disease "does not kill", but it significantly reduces quality of life."

What are some alternatives to "does not kill"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is not fatal", "does not harm", or "is not lethal".

Is it better to say "does not kill" or "doesn't kill"?

Both "does not kill" and "doesn't kill" are grammatically correct. "Doesn't kill" is more informal and suitable for casual writing, while "does not kill" is slightly more formal and appropriate for academic or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "does not kill" and "prevents death"?

"Does not kill" simply states that something isn't deadly. "Prevents death" implies an active intervention to stop something from being fatal. For example, "The vaccine "prevents death" from the virus", whereas "The mild infection "does not kill"".