getting killed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting killed" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used as a verb phrase in a sentence to describe someone being killed or in danger of being killed. Example: The soldier risked his life by getting too close to the enemy, but luckily he managed to escape without getting killed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They were getting killed".

The New Yorker

Characters start getting killed.

The New Yorker

"They're getting killed," Francesa said.

The New Yorker

People are getting killed here".

The New York Times

Tired of getting killed.

The New York Times

I was getting killed.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Nobody gets killed.

The New Yorker

Most heroes get killed".

The New Yorker

And people got killed.

The Guardian - Opinion

No one got killed.

The New Yorker

"Many got killed".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting killed" to describe a situation where someone is in imminent danger of being killed, emphasizing the ongoing risk rather than a completed action.

Common error

Avoid using "getting killed" when a more active voice would be clearer and more impactful. For instance, instead of "The project is getting killed by budget cuts", try "Budget cuts are killing the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting killed" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action in progress. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable part of a sentence, describing someone being killed or in danger of being killed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting killed" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of being killed or being in a situation where death is imminent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it may be too informal for some academic settings, its prevalence and diverse usage make it a common and understandable expression. Consider context and register when choosing whether to use "getting killed" or a more formal alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

losing one's life

Direct and common way to express dying, emphasizing the loss of life.

being slain

Formal synonym referring to being killed, often in a heroic or historical context.

being destroyed

Focuses on the process of destruction that results in death or severe damage.

being eliminated

Refers to being removed, often in a competitive or strategic context, which can imply death.

meeting one's demise

Euphemistic expression for dying, suitable for formal or literary contexts.

perishing

Formal and somewhat archaic term for dying, often implying a sudden or violent death.

suffering fatalities

Implies deaths as a result of an accident, natural disaster, or military action.

being terminated

Euphemistic and impersonal way to describe someone's death, often in a business or science fiction context.

facing execution

Specifically refers to being put to death by a legal authority.

being obliterated

Indicates complete destruction or annihilation, which can imply death.

FAQs

What does "getting killed" mean?

The phrase "getting killed" describes a state of being in the process of being killed or facing a high risk of death. It emphasizes the ongoing action or immediate threat, rather than a completed event.

How can I use "getting killed" in a sentence?

You can use "getting killed" to describe a situation where someone or something is in danger of being killed, such as: "They're "getting killed" in rebounding" or "He almost ended up "getting killed"."

What are some alternatives to saying "getting killed"?

Alternatives to "getting killed" include "being slain", "losing one's life", or "being destroyed", depending on the specific context and level of formality required.

Is "getting killed" appropriate for formal writing?

While "getting killed" is grammatically correct, it may be considered too informal for certain types of formal writing. In such cases, using a more formal alternative like "meeting one's demise" or "being slain" might be more suitable.