king of hell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "king of hell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to mythology, literature, or discussions about power dynamics in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In the story, the protagonist must confront the king of hell to reclaim his lost soul."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Yama is the king of hell in Chinese mythology.

The New York Times

He said that Chairman Mao was the king of Hell and that the Party officials were the gate-guarding devils.

The New Yorker

According to Shinto belief, Enma – the King of Hell – stands at hell's entrance and decides which of the six paths a dead person will take.

BBC

As the anti-hero Satan is the king of Hell, Loman is the nimble prince of his own fantasies, and as I myself approach forty, I can't help but think that if Willy Loman drove a Toyota and owned Ikea furniture, then I would be our everyman anti-hero, Willy Loman.

Huffington Post

Called in Sanskrit "one who stops the power of the King of Hell," he must have initially startled the Japanese with his outré appearance: extra heads, flying weapons, lotus-shaped flip-flops.

The New York Times - Arts

All of Mr. Schumann's largest puppets are here: immense pageant gods, madonnas and angels; giant butchers and salesmen; washerwomen in kerchiefs and skirts; Yama, the King of Hell, sprouting heads like cancers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Shiwang, ( Chinese: "Ten Kings") Wade-Giles romanization Shih Wang, in Chinese mythology, the 10 kings of hell, who preside over fixed regions where the dead are punished by physical tortures appropriate to their crimes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dizang seeks to deliver the souls of the dead from the punishments inflicted by the 10 judges, or kings, of hell (the fifth, Yanlo Wang, is the Chinese manifestation of the Indian lord of death, Yama).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shiwang, (Chinese: "Ten Kings")Wade-Giles romanization Shih Wang, in Chinese mythology, the 10 kings of hell, who preside over fixed regions where the dead are punished by physical tortures appropriate to their crimes.

Britannica

They will pray to the gods that "the kings of hell will not take your loved one away," Williams said.

Huffington Post

"James Cameron may think he is king of the world, but he could turn out to be a monarch of a new kind of hell, presiding over what could be the worst time in Hollywood history," Michael Freedland wrote in The Guardian.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "king of hell" in creative writing, consider the specific cultural or mythological context you want to evoke, as different traditions have different figures and attributes associated with this role.

Common error

Avoid using "king of hell" in casual or lighthearted contexts unless you're deliberately aiming for dark humor or irony. The phrase carries a strong connotation of evil, suffering, and immense power, and its impact can be diminished if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "king of hell" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It designates a specific entity—the supreme ruler of hell—within mythological, fictional, or metaphorical contexts, as supported by examples on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "king of hell" is a grammatically sound and relatively common noun phrase used to denote the supreme ruler of hell. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in writing. While versatile, it is important to consider the specific tone and context to effectively convey the intended meaning, especially when dealing with mythological figures or metaphorical representations of negative power. It appears most frequently in news, encyclopedias and media contexts, but is versatile across different genres. Remember to consider alternatives such as "ruler of the underworld" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Monarch of hell

A more formal synonym for "king".

Ruler of the underworld

Focuses on the domain rather than a specific title.

Lord of the abyss

Emphasizes the depth and vastness of hell.

Master of the underworld

Highlights control and dominion over the realm of hell.

Prince of darkness

Highlights the evil nature associated with the ruler of hell.

Satan

Refers to a specific, often personified, ruler of hell.

Emperor of the damned

Suggests a vast number of subjects and their eternal suffering.

Infernal sovereign

A more literary and archaic term for the ruler of hell.

Supreme demon

Focuses on the demonic aspect of the ruler.

Hell's commander

Implies military authority and leadership within hell.

FAQs

What does "king of hell" mean?

The phrase "king of hell" refers to the supreme ruler or monarch of hell, often associated with figures like Satan or other mythological entities who govern the underworld.

What are some synonyms for "king of hell"?

Alternatives include "ruler of the underworld", "lord of the abyss", "prince of darkness", or "supreme demon". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "king of hell" in a sentence?

You can use "king of hell" in sentences like: "The hero faced the "king of hell" in a final battle.", or "Legends say the "king of hell" rules over all the damned souls."

Is "king of hell" a formal or informal expression?

The term "king of hell" leans towards the informal side, especially outside mythological or fantasy contexts. In academic or formal settings, consider alternatives like "ruler of the underworld" for a more neutral tone.