it may be fatal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may be fatal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential dangers or risks that could lead to death or serious harm. Example: "Ignoring the warning signs while driving can be dangerous; it may be fatal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It may be fatal".

The New Yorker

"But if they want to clean house, it may be fatal".

The New York Times

In the form of heartworm, it may be fatal to dogs and other mammals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We remain one — it may be fatal — step removed from an intimate perception of the procedures of the corporate, financial, governmental, Mafia, and working-class establishments.

The New Yorker

My problem is this: the ocean is a very well-tuned ecosystem, and a temperature change of a few degrees might be negligible to us, but for microfauna or algae it may be fatal.

TechCrunch

The prognosis of DS intoxication is usually favorable, as in our case, but it may be fatal, especially during massive intoxications meant to be autolytic or the result of toxicomania [6].

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

We remain one-it may be fatal-step removed from an intimate perception of the procedures of the corporate, financial, governmental, Mafia, and working-class establishments.

The New Yorker

Although this occurs in ≤5% of patients receiving heparin, its effects may be fatal, especially in critically ill patients [4].

Annals of Intensive Care

However, there should be a high index of clinical suspicion to recognise, diagnose, and manage it appropriately, as complications may be fatal.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Fungal pneumonia can develop very rapidly and may be fatal, but it usually occurs in hospitalized persons who, because of impaired immunity, have reduced resistance to infection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the child has severe 3rd burn damage, this may be fatal, so it is extremely recommended that you call an ambulance as quick as possible, otherwise, you can drive the child to hospital.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it may be fatal" to clearly communicate the potential for a deadly outcome, particularly in medical, scientific, or cautionary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it may be fatal" in informal situations where less severe language would be more appropriate. Overusing such strong language can diminish its impact and appear overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may be fatal" functions as a modal expression indicating a possibility of death. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English and its function is to highlight potential dangers or risks that could lead to death or serious harm. The examples provide context on how it's used in various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it may be fatal" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a potential for death. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is frequently found in contexts such as science, news, and encyclopedias. This phrase serves as a warning, emphasizing the serious and potentially deadly consequences of a situation or action. While appropriate in formal and neutral registers, overuse in casual contexts should be avoided to maintain its impact. Alternative phrases like "it could prove deadly" or "it might be lethal" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could prove deadly

This alternative uses stronger vocabulary to express a sense of increased risk and potential severity.

it might be lethal

This alternative employs a more formal term to indicate a high probability of causing death.

it can lead to death

This alternative emphasizes the causal relationship between an action or situation and the outcome of death.

it carries a risk of fatality

This alternative highlights the inherent danger and potential for a fatal outcome.

it poses a mortal threat

This alternative uses stronger language to convey the imminence and severity of the danger.

it is potentially life-threatening

This alternative specifies that the danger involves a significant risk to one's life.

it could have grave consequences

This alternative broadens the scope of potential harm beyond death, encompassing other severe negative outcomes.

it may result in mortality

This alternative uses more technical and scientific language.

it has the potential to kill

This alternative emphasizes the active role or ability of something to cause death.

the consequences might be disastrous

This alternative stresses the potentially destructive nature of the results.

FAQs

How can I use "it may be fatal" in a sentence?

Use "it may be fatal" to indicate a potential for death or extremely severe consequences, especially in formal writing or when providing warnings. For example, "Ingesting this substance "it may be fatal"."

What are some alternatives to "it may be fatal"?

You can use alternatives like "it could prove deadly", "it might be lethal", or "it can lead to death" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "it may be fatal"?

It's appropriate in situations where there's a genuine risk of death, such as medical warnings, safety instructions, or discussions of serious diseases. Avoid using it in casual or trivial contexts.

What is the difference between "it may be fatal" and "it is dangerous"?

"It is dangerous" implies a risk of harm, but not necessarily death. "It may be fatal" specifically indicates that death is a possible outcome, implying a higher level of risk and severity.