is a killer

USAGE SUMMARY

"is a killer" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has caused or is capable of causing death deliberately or negligently. Example sentence: The suspect in the murder case is believed to be a killer, as evidenced by his past history of violence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

This is a killer".

The New York Times

"Tantawi is a killer".

The New York Times

Loneliness is a killer.

The Guardian

("Rubies" is a killer).

The New Yorker

This guy is a killer.

The New Yorker

"Anything more is a killer".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It's a killer".

The New Yorker

I was a killer.

The New York Times

Now, you are a killer".

The New York Times

"Because I'm a killer".

The New Yorker

Fidel Castro was a killer.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to avoid overuse. While "is a killer" can be impactful, consider alternatives like "is devastating" or "is lethal" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "is a killer" in contexts where the severity of the term is inappropriate. Saying "This exam is a killer" might trivialize the term's serious connotations, choose a phrase that better matches the real impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a killer" functions as a predicate nominative, attributing a characteristic or identity to a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable, exemplified by sentences describing a person as a killer or a situation as devastating.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a killer" is a versatile expression used to describe something exceptionally effective or dangerous. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, academic writings, and formal business communications. While the phrase is generally acceptable, careful consideration of the context is essential to ensure the tone aligns with the intended message. Depending on the specific meaning, alternatives such as "is lethal", "is devastating", or "is highly effective" can provide a more precise nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is lethal

Replaces "killer" with a synonym emphasizing the capacity to cause death.

is devastating

Emphasizes the destructive impact of something.

is deadly

Directly replaces "killer" with a synonym.

is extremely dangerous

Focuses on the high level of risk or peril involved.

poses a threat

Shifts the focus to the potential danger or risk.

is highly effective

Used when "killer" implies something is extremely successful or potent.

is ruinous

Highlights the capacity to cause ruin or destruction.

is a game-changer

Emphasizes a transformative impact, often in a positive sense, unlike the negative connotation of "killer".

is a force to be reckoned with

Indicates something powerful and influential that should be taken seriously.

is a major problem

Highlights the significant negative impact or challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "is a killer" in a sentence?

You can use "is a killer" to describe something exceptionally effective or dangerous. For example, "That new marketing strategy is a killer" or "Debt literally "is a killer"".

What can I say instead of "is a killer"?

You can use alternatives like "is lethal", "is devastating", or "is deadly" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is a killer" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is a killer" might be too informal or intense for certain formal contexts. Consider using more neutral or precise language, such as "poses a threat" or "is highly effective".

What's the difference between "is a killer" and "was a killer"?

"Is a killer" implies a current state or characteristic, while "was a killer" refers to a past state. For example, "He is a killer brand" indicates his brand is currently impactful, whereas "Fidel Castro "was a killer"" refers to his past actions.