he is dying

USAGE SUMMARY

"he is dying" is a grammatically correct sentence and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is in the process of dying, whether it be from a disease, old age, or another cause. Example: "She received the devastating news that her grandfather was ill and he is dying. She rushed to the hospital to be by his side during his final moments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He is dying.

The New York Times - Health

He has cancer & he is dying.

The New Yorker

He looks as though he is dying.

Independent

He is dying, I say.

The Guardian

He is dying to sleep with her.

The New York Times - Books

His eyes are unfocused; he is dying.

The Guardian

Or believes that he is dying.

The Guardian - Books

"Soccer is a lie," Mono says as he is dying.

The New Yorker

"Your father, he is dying," she would wail.

The New York Times

Here is what he sees as he is dying.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"He was dying hard.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is dying" to convey immediacy and urgency, especially in narrative contexts or when reporting current events.

Common error

While euphemisms can soften the blow of difficult news, avoid using them in situations where precise understanding is necessary. For example, in medical reports or legal documents, "he is dying" is clearer than vaguer alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is dying" functions as a declarative statement in the present continuous tense. It describes an ongoing process of approaching death. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is dying" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express that someone is in the process of dying. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science and Wiki, highlighting its broad applicability. While direct, it's crucial to consider the context and audience, opting for softer alternatives like ""he is passing away"" in sensitive situations. Avoid euphemisms where clarity is paramount, especially in professional or medical settings. Overall, "he is dying" serves as a clear and informative statement about a person's state of health, though sensitivity and context should always guide its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is passing away

Emphasizes a gentler, more euphemistic way of saying someone is dying.

he is nearing his end

Focuses on the proximity of death, suggesting the final stages of life.

he is on his deathbed

Highlights the physical state and setting of someone who is dying.

he is breathing his last

Concentrates on the final act of breathing, symbolizing the end of life.

he is succumbing to his illness

Points to the cause of death, indicating that the illness is winning.

he is fading away

Suggests a gradual decline in health and vitality leading to death.

his life is ebbing

Uses a metaphorical image of ebbing tide to represent life slowly disappearing.

he is not long for this world

An idiomatic expression indicating that someone will die soon.

he is at the end of his life

States directly that someone's life is concluding.

he is losing his battle

Implies a struggle against an illness or condition that is resulting in death.

FAQs

How can I use "he is dying" in a sentence?

You can use "he is dying" to describe someone who is in the process of dying from an illness, injury, or old age. For example, "The doctor confirmed that "he is dying" of cancer".

What are some less direct ways to say "he is dying"?

Alternatives include "he is passing away", "he is nearing his end", or "he is on his deathbed". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of sensitivity.

Is there a difference between "he is dying" and "he is dead"?

"He is dying" describes the process of approaching death, while "he is dead" indicates that death has already occurred. "He is dying" implies that there is still time, however limited, remaining.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "he is dying"?

It's appropriate to use "he is dying" when you want to directly and clearly state that someone is in the process of dying. However, consider the sensitivity of the situation and whether a more gentle or euphemistic phrase might be more suitable.