is deadly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is deadly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is lethal or has the potential to cause death. Example: "The venom of this snake is deadly, and it can kill a human within hours if not treated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pakistan is deadly serious".

The New Yorker

This is deadly earnest.

The New York Times

The combination is deadly.

The Economist

She is deadly.

Independent

The overall effect is deadly.

The Economist

His reply is deadly serious.

Independent

This precedent is deadly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anthrax is deadly.

The New York Times

And that is deadly.

The New Yorker

Silence is deadly.

The Guardian - Books

Single vision is deadly.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is deadly" to describe something that is not literally lethal, ensure the context makes it clear that you're speaking metaphorically. For example, "procrastination is deadly to productivity."

Common error

Avoid using "is deadly" too frequently in casual conversation, as it can diminish the impact when describing genuinely dangerous situations. Use stronger adjectives or expressions when literal danger is not involved, or use a less strong expression to communicate that something is unpleasant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is deadly" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's capacity to cause death or severe harm. Ludwig's examples illustrate both literal and figurative usages, such as "Anthrax is deadly" and "Silence is deadly".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Unknown/unmatched sources

5%

Huffington Post

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is deadly" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize extreme danger or lethality. According to Ludwig, its usage spans both literal and metaphorical contexts, warning of potential harm or highlighting severe consequences. While typically neutral in register, overuse in casual conversation should be avoided to maintain its impact. The most frequent contexts are News & Media, Wiki, and Science. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase and illustrates its usage with numerous real-world examples. Semantically, alternatives such as "is lethal" or "poses a mortal threat" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is lethal

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

poses a mortal threat

Emphasizes the dangerous nature and potential for causing death.

is life-threatening

Highlights the severity of the danger, indicating a risk to life.

is gravely dangerous

Focuses on the severe level of risk and hazard involved.

is a significant hazard

Shifts focus to the presence of a notable danger or risk.

carries a high risk

Highlights the probability of negative outcomes or harm.

is fraught with danger

Emphasizes that the situation is filled with potential risks.

is extremely perilous

Uses a more formal term to describe the high level of danger.

represents a clear and present danger

A more emphatic way of saying there's an immediate threat.

has fatal consequences

Focuses on the ultimate result or outcome of the situation, highlighting potential death.

FAQs

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

You can use "is deadly" to describe something lethal or dangerous, such as "The venom of that snake is deadly". It can also be used metaphorically, for example, "Complacency is deadly to innovation".

What are some alternatives to saying "is deadly"?

Alternatives include "is lethal", "is life-threatening", or "poses a mortal threat", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "is deadly" metaphorically?

It is appropriate to use "is deadly" metaphorically when emphasizing the severely negative impact of something, even if it doesn't cause physical death. For example, "apathy is deadly to community engagement".

What is the difference between saying something "is deadly" and saying it "is dangerous"?

While both terms indicate potential harm, "is deadly" suggests a greater severity and a higher likelihood of causing death. "Is dangerous" implies a broader range of potential harms, not necessarily fatal.