get him killed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get him killed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation where someone is doing something risky which could have severe, dangerous or even fatal consequences. For example: Jane warned her brother that his explosives hobby might get him killed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Doing things that could get him killed.

Independent

DARCY You're gonna get him killed!

The New York Times

The one about him being an informer could get him killed.

The New Yorker

— and knew that the floating evidence of the illegal deed could get him killed.

The Washington Post

Dad pleaded with him but Harrelson insisted that going to the authorities would get him killed.

The Guardian - Books

But he knows his comments about war crimes could get him killed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It may have got him killed.

The New Yorker

And it was this that got him killed.

The Guardian

That cry could once have got him killed as a Catholic reactionary.

The Economist

Even she, for all her visible animosity, seemed quick to remember him for the act that got him killed.

The New York Times

He was doing his job, and it got him killed in Pakistan, senselessly and cruelly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get him killed" to directly convey that someone's actions or situation puts them at significant risk of death. It's most effective when emphasizing the potential consequences of a decision or circumstance.

Common error

Avoid using "get him killed" when the risk of death is minimal or purely hypothetical. This phrase is best suited for situations where danger is imminent and directly linked to a specific action or circumstance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get him killed" functions as a causative expression, indicating that an action or situation results in someone's death. It emphasizes the direct link between the cause and the potentially fatal outcome. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get him killed" is a phrase used to describe a situation where someone's actions or circumstances could lead to their death. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It's commonly found in news and media contexts to emphasize the potential consequences of risky behavior. While the phrase carries a neutral tone, it's best used when the risk of death is direct and imminent. Alternatives like "cause his demise" or "lead to his death" offer more formal options. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in less severe situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lead to his death

This alternative is similar but emphasizes the process or actions that ultimately result in death.

Cause his demise

This alternative is a more formal and less direct way of saying "get him killed", focusing on the result rather than the action.

Bring about his end

A more literary and general way of saying cause his death.

Make him a target

This suggests an active threat from others, implying intentional targeting.

Put him in harm's way

Similar to endangering, but implies a more active placement into a dangerous situation.

Condemn him to death

Implies a formal judgment or inevitable sentence leading to death.

Put his life at risk

This alternative emphasizes the potential danger and uncertainty of the outcome.

Endanger his life

This alternative focuses on putting someone at risk, not necessarily resulting in death.

Jeopardize his survival

Focuses on the risk to survival, not necessarily death.

Seal his fate

This alternative is more dramatic and implies a predetermined, unavoidable outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "get him killed" in a sentence?

Use "get him killed" to indicate that someone's actions or a particular situation could lead to their death. For example, "If he keeps making those kinds of threats, he's going to get himself killed."

What does "get him killed" imply?

The phrase "get him killed" implies a high degree of risk and potential danger, often suggesting that someone's behavior or circumstances are directly putting them in harm's way.

Are there more formal alternatives to "get him killed"?

Yes, alternatives like "cause his demise" or "lead to his death" are more formal ways to express the same idea.

When is it appropriate to use "get him killed"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the direct and potentially fatal consequences of someone's actions or a specific situation. It's less suited for hypothetical or minor risks.