go dead

USAGE SUMMARY

"go dead" is not a correct or usable phrase in written English.
Instead, you could use the phrase "go quiet" to describe a situation in which someone stops talking or responding. Example: After the argument, the room went quiet and nobody said anything for the rest of the evening.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

19.59 Police phones go dead.

The Guardian

Let your legs go dead, he says.

The New York Times - Sports

Until, after a mile, they go dead.

The New York Times

Lift me up til my legs go dead.

The New Yorker

Most go dead after only an hour of shooting.

The New York Times - Tech

When I answered the call, after a pause the line would go dead.

The New York Times

"He became dangerous when he began letting his eyes go dead.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The phone went dead.

The New York Times

The connection went dead.

The New Yorker

The line went dead.

The New York Times

Phones went dead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the failure of electronic devices or systems, consider using more precise terms like "power off" or "lose connection" instead of "go dead" for clarity.

Common error

While common in informal settings, "go dead" might lack the precision needed in professional or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "cease to function" or "become inoperative" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go dead" functions as a verb phrase indicating a cessation of function or operation. It is often used to describe the state of devices, connections, or even body parts ceasing to work. Despite Ludwig AI indicating that the expression is somewhat informal it is quite common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go dead" is a common expression used to describe something that has stopped functioning or become unresponsive. While Ludwig AI considers it grammatically questionable, its widespread use, particularly in news and media, demonstrates its practical relevance. While it might be more appropriate to use more formal alternatives such as "stop working" in professional or academic contexts, the phrase is usually well understood. The main authoritative sources are The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Guardian, BBC and TechCrunch.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop working

Focuses on the cessation of functionality.

become unresponsive

Emphasizes a lack of reaction or feedback.

cease to function

Highlights the termination of a process or activity.

power off

Specifically refers to turning off an electronic device.

shut down

Implies a more formal or controlled cessation.

fail

Indicates a breakdown or inability to perform as expected.

cut out

Suggests a sudden and unexpected stop.

become inoperative

Highlights the state of being unable to operate.

lose connection

Specifically relates to a loss of communication or signal.

go silent

Implies the cessation of sound or communication.

FAQs

What does "go dead" mean?

The phrase "go dead" generally means to stop functioning or lose power. It's often used to describe electronic devices or systems that have ceased to operate.

What can I say instead of "go dead"?

You can use alternatives like "stop working", "become unresponsive", or "cease to function" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "go dead"?

While widely used, especially in informal contexts, "go dead" is not always considered grammatically correct. More formal alternatives might be preferred in certain situations.

When should I use "power off" instead of "go dead"?

Use "power off" when referring specifically to electronic devices or systems being turned off. It provides a more precise and technical meaning than the general phrase "go dead".