lead to death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lead to death" is correct and it is usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that results in death or when talking about something that causes death. For example: "The complications from the disease eventually lead to death."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Often, it will lead to death.

Independent

How does opioid overdose lead to death?

Harvard University

Bad decisions can lead to death.

The New York Times

Core temperatures over 105° (41° C) can lead to death.

Princeton University

Drug abuse can also directly or indirectly lead to death.

Columbia University

It can lead to death by cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Stanford University

For most organisms, dehydration can lead to death.

Harvard University

It isn't like anorexia, which can lead to death.

The New Yorker

In extreme cases, it can lead to death.

The New York Times

In rare cases, serious ulcers can lead to death.

The New York Times

High levels of exposure can lead to death.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics like mortality, consider using "lead to death" in conjunction with specific details about the cause or circumstances, providing context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "lead to death" in overly casual or informal situations where a less severe or more nuanced expression would be appropriate. Choose vocabulary that reflects the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead to death" functions as a causal verb phrase, connecting an action, condition, or event to the ultimate consequence of mortality. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English and effectively describes situations resulting in death.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

31%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lead to death" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe situations that result in mortality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "result in death" or "cause mortality" exist, "lead to death" effectively conveys a cause-and-effect relationship with a tone ranging from neutral to formal. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its gravity, and consider providing specific details for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

result in death

Focuses on the outcome rather than the process, implying a more direct consequence.

cause mortality

Emphasizes the causation of death, often used in scientific or medical contexts.

be fatal

Highlights the deadly nature of something, suggesting a high likelihood of death.

prove deadly

Indicates that something has been shown to cause death, often through experience.

bring about demise

A more formal and less direct way of saying cause death, often used in literature.

precipitate fatality

Emphasizes the suddenness or unexpectedness of the death.

contribute to fatality

Suggests that something is one of several factors leading to death.

induce mortality

Similar to "cause mortality" but often used in technical or scientific contexts.

be the death of

An idiomatic expression that implies something is the ultimate cause of someone's downfall or death.

spell the end

Indicates that something signals the termination of life or existence.

FAQs

How can I use "lead to death" in a sentence?

You can use "lead to death" to describe circumstances or conditions that can cause mortality, as in, "Untreated infections can "lead to death" if left unaddressed."

What are some alternatives to "lead to death"?

Alternatives include "result in death", "cause mortality", or "be fatal", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use "lead to death" in formal writing?

Yes, "lead to death" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing serious consequences in medical, scientific, or legal contexts. However, always ensure the tone and context align with the gravity of the topic.

Which is a more direct phrase: "lead to death" or "result in death"?

"Result in death" is generally more direct, focusing on the outcome. "Lead to death" implies a process or series of events that ultimately "result in death".