kill them both

USAGE SUMMARY

'kill them both' is not correct and usable in written English without context.
It can be used if it is part of a quote, for example: The character in the novel yelled, "Kill them both!".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

They heard one of the soldiers say, "Just kill them both".

The New Yorker

What could Shakespeare do but kill them both at the end?

The Guardian

"The situation has become so irrational and so extreme," he joked darkly, "that we better kill them both before they kill us".

The New York Times

No more!" This after he's shot up a slumming screenwriter and his wife with enough junk to kill them both - just to teach 'em what's what on the snarling underside of life.

The Guardian - Film

Unknown to them but very obvious to us, a sinister masked figure is coming from behind to kill them both and leave behind calling cards announcing the assassin as the Jack of Diamonds Killer.

The Guardian - Film

"I'll kill them both," he announces to much laughter.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"I killed them both".

The New York Times - Sports

The second one killed them both".

Independent

"He killed them both for reasons which remain obscure.

Independent

As his wife tries to save the third, he kills them both with a single arrow.

The Guardian - Books

"If I became a college professor, I knew I was going to wind up killing them both off".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kill them both" in dialogue, ensure it reflects the speaker's character and the context of the scene. The phrase is stark and direct, so it should be used deliberately to convey a specific tone or intention.

Common error

Avoid using "kill them both" in academic or professional contexts unless you're directly quoting someone or analyzing its use in a specific text. Opt for more formal and precise language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kill them both" primarily functions as an imperative or a declarative statement expressing intent. It lacks a subject and often appears within direct quotations, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kill them both" is grammatically incomplete, functioning primarily as a direct command or expression of intent within informal contexts. Ludwig AI indicates its common usage, especially in quoted speech and narrative scenarios. While the phrase appears across various sources, including news and media, it's crucial to reserve it for appropriate contexts, avoiding its direct use in formal writing unless quoting. Semantically related alternatives like "eliminate both of them" or "murder both of them" can offer a more nuanced way to convey similar meanings depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

murder both of them

This phrase emphasizes the unlawful and malicious nature of the killing, adding a stronger moral judgment.

finish them both off

This suggests a conclusive act, often used when the targets are already weakened or in a vulnerable state.

execute them both

This implies a formal or legal process leading to their death, often in the context of justice or punishment.

eliminate both of them

This alternative suggests a more calculated or strategic removal, implying planning rather than immediate action.

do away with them both

A more indirect way of expressing the act of killing, often used to downplay the severity of the action.

wipe them both out

Implies complete and utter destruction, often used in the context of conflict or extermination.

take both their lives

A more euphemistic alternative, softening the directness of the word "kill" while still conveying the same outcome.

slay them both

This is a more archaic or literary alternative, often used in fantasy or historical settings.

put an end to both of them

This implies bringing a final conclusion to their existence, focusing on the termination rather than the act of killing.

cause their demise

This phrase is more formal and detached, suitable for objective reporting or historical accounts.

FAQs

How can I use "kill them both" in a sentence?

This phrase is typically used in direct speech or in fictional writing. For instance, "The villain exclaimed, 'I will "kill them both"!'"

What are some alternatives to "kill them both"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "eliminate both of them", "murder both of them", or "execute them both".

Is it grammatically correct to say "kill them both"?

While the phrase is commonly used, it lacks context and a complete sentence structure. It's often used as a command or a threat within a narrative.

What is the difference between "kill them both" and "killed them both"?

"Kill them both" is an imperative or a future intention, while "killed them both" is a statement about a past action. For example, "He planned to "kill them both"" versus "He "killed them both" yesterday".