killed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "killed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as describing the act of causing death or in a figurative sense to indicate that something has been rendered ineffective or obsolete. Example: "The sudden change in management killed the project before it even started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Three were killed.

The New York Times

He was killed in 1950.

The New York Times

Sixty-four Isoldiersoldiers have been killed.

The Guardian

He was already on a life sentence for having killed his girlfriend, Myra Wright.

The Guardian

The DUP leader's ultimatum followed the collapse of the trial of John Downey, suspected of involvement in the 1982 Hyde Park bombing which killed four soldiers.

The Guardian

Insurgents killed at least four soldiers in an ambush on Monday.

The Guardian

Scores were killed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gillard backer Gary Gray said he had agreed to stay on as resources minister, but was still blunt in his assessment that Gillard's leadership had been killed off by a constant campaign of destabilisation by Rudd supporters.

The Guardian

All 115 people on board were killed.

The New York Times

Zarqawi was killed by an American bomb in 2006.

The Economist

It is understood that the Boston archive includes claims by both dead and living IRA members that Adams as a senior commander in the organisation in 1972 came up with the idea of "disappearing" McConville rather than publicly admit the terror group had killed her.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, consider using synonyms for "killed" to vary your language and evoke different emotional responses, such as "slain" for a violent death or "perished" for a tragic one.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions like "was killed" excessively, as they can obscure the agent responsible for the action. Opt for active voice (e.g., "the attacker killed the victim") when appropriate to provide clarity and directness.

Linguistic Context

The word "killed" primarily functions as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'kill', denoting the act of causing death. It can also function as an adjective in specific contexts, though this is less common. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "killed", as confirmed by Ludwig AI, is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, primarily functioning as the past tense of the verb 'kill'. Its primary purpose is to report or describe the act of causing death across various contexts, especially in news and media. While suitable for neutral registers, alternative phrases like "passed away" or "lost their life" may be preferred in sensitive or formal situations. When writing, be mindful of using the active voice for clarity and choosing the right synonym to match the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lost their life

A more general and widely applicable way of saying someone died.

Met their demise

Emphasizes the finality of death, often used in a more formal or euphemistic context.

Were slain

Suggests a violent or intentional act of killing, often used in historical or dramatic contexts.

Perished

A somewhat formal or literary term for dying, often implying a sudden or tragic death.

Succumbed to injuries

Specifically refers to dying as a result of injuries sustained.

Killed off

Can refer to large numbers being killed, or to something being ended or destroyed.

Were fatally wounded

Highlights the severity of the wounds that led to death.

Passed away

A euphemistic phrase used to soften the impact of mentioning death.

Were executed

Implies a formal or legal act of killing, typically as a punishment.

Were assassinated

Specifies the killing of a prominent figure, often for political reasons.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to using the word "killed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "murdered", "slain", "assassinated", "executed", or "eliminated".

Is it appropriate to use "killed" in formal writing?

Yes, "killed" is appropriate in formal writing as long as it's used accurately and without sensationalism. In some cases, you might prefer more formal alternatives like "deceased" or "expired" depending on the context and audience.

How does the context affect the choice of words related to "killed"?

The context determines the best word choice. For example, "assassinated" is specific to the killing of a prominent person, while "slaughtered" implies a brutal mass killing. Being precise enhances clarity and impact. Furthermore, the difference between "killed off" and killed, is that the first refers to large numbers being killed, or to something being ended or destroyed.

What's the difference between "killed" and "passed away"?

"Killed" is a direct term indicating the cause of death by an external force. "Passed away" is a euphemism used to soften the impact of death, generally preferred in sensitive or polite contexts.