is dead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is dead" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a subject or object that is no longer alive, physically or conceptually. Example 1: "The flowers in my garden were once vibrant and full of life, but now they are dead and withered." Example 2: "The idea of communism may have once been popular, but it is now considered dead in many parts of the world." Example 3: "Despite his struggles with addiction, the artist's legacy and impact on the art world will never die."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tamerlan is dead, right?

The New York Times

"Chávez is dead!

The New York Times

The child is dead".

The New York Times

Gio is dead".

Independent

The President is dead.

The New York Times

Motherland is dead keen.

The Economist

"Ackman is dead wrong".

The New York Times

Tolkien is dead.

The New York Times - Books

Innovation is dead.

The New York Times - Tech

Frederika is dead.

The New Yorker

Writing is dead.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is dead" to describe something abstract, ensure the context makes the figurative meaning clear. For example, "The old business model is dead; we need a new approach."

Common error

Avoid using "is dead" casually in contexts where it might be misinterpreted as insensitive or offensive, especially when referring to serious topics or people.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is dead" is to assert the state of being dead for a subject. Ludwig examples show that it's used to describe both literal death (e.g., "The child is dead") and figurative death (e.g., "Innovation is dead").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is dead" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the state of being deceased or non-functional, both literally and figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, the phrase serves to inform, emphasize, or express strong opinions. When employing it figuratively, ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "has ceased to exist" or "is no longer alive" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoiding overuse in sensitive contexts is also recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is no longer alive

Directly states the absence of life, suitable for living beings.

has passed away

A euphemistic way to say someone has died, often used in formal contexts.

has ceased to exist

Indicates that something no longer exists, emphasizing the termination of its existence.

is defunct

Implies that something is no longer in use or existence, especially organizations or systems.

is non-operational

Focuses on the inability of something to function, usually for machines or systems.

is kaput

An informal way to say something is broken or no longer working.

is a thing of the past

Expresses that something is outdated or no longer relevant.

is out of order

Indicates a temporary or permanent state of being broken or not functioning correctly.

is six feet under

An informal and sometimes humorous way to say someone is buried and dead.

is pushing up daisies

An informal and humorous way to say that someone is dead and buried.

FAQs

How do I use "is dead" in a sentence?

You can use "is dead" to describe something that is no longer alive, functional, or relevant. For example, "The battery is dead" or "That trend is dead".

What can I say instead of "is dead"?

You can use alternatives like "has ceased to exist", "is no longer alive", or "is defunct" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is dead" or "has died"?

"Is dead" describes the state of being dead, while "has died" describes the action of dying. Both are correct but have different meanings and usages.

What is the difference between "is dead" and "is dying"?

"Is dead" indicates a completed state of death, while "is dying" indicates a process that is currently happening and will result in death.