killed down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "killed down" is not correct and not usable in written English.
It appears to be a misunderstanding or misphrasing, as "killed" and "down" do not typically combine in this way. Example: "The project was killed down due to budget constraints." (This is incorrect usage.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Tutsis must be killed down to the last person in order to bring about utopia.

The New York Times - Magazine

Last season 39 people were killed, down from 53 in 2007 but up from 22 in the 2006 season.

The New York Times - Sports

Last year, 60 American service members were killed, down from 961 in 2007, according to the Web site icasualties.org, which tallies coalition and civilian deaths.

The New York Times

"We can't justify someone else getting killed down there".

The New York Times

"They will grow for a while and then get killed down to the ground again," Powell told me.

The New Yorker

And though it's a Southerner, this plant is hardy to Zone 5, coming back from the roots when killed down to the ground.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I don't trust the residue of any water that kills down-deep worms.

The New York Times - Magazine

That downing killed 290 people.

The New York Times

"I would have killed for watered-down milk when I was in combat," Hank grumbles.

The New York Times - Arts

The train carrying 282 bodies of people killed in the downing of Flight MH17 last week has arrived in Kharkiv.

Independent

On the day Qaddafi was killed, David Cameron spoke from Downing Street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "killed down" in formal writing. Opt for more standard and grammatically correct alternatives like "shot down", "gunned down", or "hunted down" depending on the specific context you intend to convey.

Common error

Do not assume that "killed down" is a universally accepted idiom. While it may appear in certain contexts, it is not considered standard English. Using it can make your writing sound awkward or incorrect. Instead, consider more appropriate phrases such as "shot down" or "gunned down".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "killed down" functions as a verb phrase + adverb, but its usage is questionable. Ludwig AI points out that it is not correct in written English. Examples show it used in various contexts, but it's essential to consider more standard alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "killed down" appears in some contexts, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, highlighting the need to use more precise and accepted alternatives such as "shot down", "gunned down", or "hunted down". Given its questionable validity, it is best to avoid "killed down" in formal writing and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shot down

Focuses on the act of shooting something from above, often implying a forceful and immediate end.

gunned down

Emphasizes the use of a firearm to kill someone rapidly and violently.

hunted down

Highlights the process of searching for someone relentlessly until they are captured or killed.

tracked down

Focuses on the investigative aspect of finding someone before an action happens.

brought down

Implies causing someone or something to fall or fail, sometimes metaphorically.

cut down

Highlights the act of reducing or eliminating something, often quickly and decisively.

taken out

A more euphemistic way of saying someone was killed, often used in covert or military contexts.

eliminated

Suggests the removal of someone or something, often in a calculated or strategic manner.

terminated

A formal term for ending something, often used in professional contexts or euphemistically for killing.

assassinated

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

FAQs

Is "killed down" grammatically correct?

No, "killed down" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. More appropriate alternatives include "shot down" or "gunned down".

What are some alternatives to "killed down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "shot down", "gunned down", or "hunted down". The best choice will depend on the specific meaning you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "killed down"?

Given that Ludwig AI identifies it as not correct, it's best to avoid using "killed down" in formal or professional writing. If you encounter it, analyze the context to find a more grammatically sound alternative.

What's the difference between "killed down" and "shot down"?

"Killed down" is not a standard English phrase. "Shot down" /s/shot+down refers specifically to the act of using a firearm to bring something or someone down, often from the air or at a distance. In most contexts where "killed down" might be used, "shot down" or another similar phrase would be more appropriate.