it could kill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could kill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential dangers or lethal consequences of a situation, action, or substance. Example: "Be careful with that chemical; it could kill if ingested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could kill them.

The New York Times

It could kill you.

The Guardian

It could kill.

The Guardian

More likely, it could kill a person".

The New York Times

Then again it could kill you.

The New Yorker

Plus it could kill a man from a mile away.

The New Yorker

Furthermore, it could kill CD20 positive Daudi and Raji cells by complement-dependent cytotoxicity.

Journal of Biotechnology

Doctors had to stop surgery to remove the bullet for fear it could kill him.

Independent

"If Qaddafi wins, it could kill the moment in the entire Middle East".

The New York Times

In skilled hands, it could kill a foe across a field.

The New York Times - Magazine

Benedict Brogan, on his Telegraph blog, says it could kill off Gordon Brown.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and audience; in formal settings, phrases like "it may result in death" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "it could kill" in situations where the risk is minimal or theoretical; this can create unnecessary alarm or undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could kill" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a potential or conditional outcome. It indicates that something has the capacity or possibility to cause death, but does not state it as a certainty. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to warn, inform, or speculate about lethal consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

16%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it could kill" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the potential for something to cause death. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Analysis of its usage reveals that it frequently appears in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, with a neutral to slightly informal register. While generally acceptable, formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "it may result in death" or "it has the potential to be fatal" for greater precision. Therefore, ensure clarity in your writing, considering tone and audience, and avoid overuse in situations where the risk is minimal to prevent undermining credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can be fatal

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the potential for a fatal outcome.

it has the potential to be fatal

Replaces the modal verb with a more direct statement of potential lethality.

it might prove deadly

Substitutes "could" with "might" and "kill" with "deadly", offering a slightly less definitive tone.

it may result in death

Focuses on the outcome of death, shifting the emphasis from the act of killing.

it is a deadly hazard

Describes the subject as a hazard with lethal properties.

it poses a lethal threat

Highlights the dangerous nature of the subject, framing it as an active threat.

it is capable of causing death

Emphasizes the capability of causing death, presenting a more formal and clinical tone.

it is liable to cause fatality

Expresses a likelihood of causing death in a formal manner.

it carries a risk of mortality

Uses more formal language to express the potential for death.

it threatens to extinguish life

Employs more dramatic and figurative language to describe the potential outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it could kill" in a sentence?

Use "it could kill" to describe a potential danger or lethal consequence of something. For example, "That mushroom is poisonous; "it could kill" you if you eat it."

What phrases can I use instead of "it could kill"?

You can use alternatives like "it could be fatal", "it may cause death", or "it poses a lethal threat" depending on the specific context.

Is "it could kill" too informal for academic writing?

While "it could kill" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "it has the potential to be fatal" or "it may result in death" are often preferred in academic writing for their precision and neutrality.

What are some common things "it could kill" is used to describe?

"It could kill" is often used to describe the potential dangers of substances like poisons, diseases, weapons, or even abstract concepts like specific policies that could have devastating consequences.