mortal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'mortal' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person who is subject to death. For example: "He was a mortal man whose life was finite".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The adrenalin pumps regularly and often, whether we're in mortal danger or just coming out to bat at number 9 for Malden Wanderers third XI.

The Guardian - Sport

The defeat of independence removed one mortal threat to Labour, only for it to be swiftly succeeded by another.

The Guardian - Opinion

You may find Ballard's willingness to imbue the cadaver, during the very act of its disincorporation, with the mortal elements of an individual life … well, disturbing.

The Guardian - Arts

Fourteen years elapse before it is revealed that Babette is a cordon bleu cook – a fact that leads to her cooking the sisters and their guests a sumptuous once-in-a-lifetime meal, a cathartic event for her, her employers and the community, leaving the diners questioning their lifelong denial of mortal pleasures.

The Guardian - Film

In his autobiographical novel, The Kindness of Women, JG Ballard glosses his experience of dissection as a Cambridge medical student thus: "As the four teams began to dissect this unknown woman, opening flaps of skin in her limbs, neck and abdomen, she seemed to undress in a last act of self-revelation, unpacking herself of all the mortal elements of her life".

The Guardian - Arts

Here we can see unpacked the mortal elements of many anonymous individuals – and by extension our own.

The Guardian - Arts

Notwithstanding its new more detached, regulatory role (the one Grade apparently couldn't face playing) the Trust under Grade's chairmanship would broadly have been at one with a vision of the BBC that sees popularity and public purpose as good bedfellows not mortal enemies.

The Guardian - Opinion

The acrimony over the UUP's decision not to back the DUP's move to devolve policing and judicial powers deals a mortal blow to the concept of a pan-unionist election pact.

The Guardian

"To which I say, 'I think the FBI had more to do with it than me.'" But the impression of a gladiatorial clash between two titans is unmistakable – as is the surprising degree of similarity between football's mortal enemies.

The Guardian

"Canon law states that excommunication is valid if it follows a mortal sin.

The Guardian

Add to that some loose marking in the box and Perkins not being perfect and the Impact seem mortal, beatable and shaken.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mortal" to describe a threat or danger, ensure that the context clearly indicates the potential for causing death or severe harm.

Common error

Avoid using "mortal" to describe something merely unpleasant or inconvenient. "Mortal" implies a direct risk of death or fatal consequences, not just strong dislike or discomfort.

Linguistic Context

The word "mortal" functions primarily as an adjective, describing something that is subject to death or causing death. Ludwig examples showcase its use in contexts ranging from describing human beings to potential threats, aligning with the definition provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mortal" is a common adjective with a neutral register, often used in News & Media to describe something that is subject to death or causes death. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English. It's important to distinguish between "mortal" and "fatal", where the former denotes something subject to death and the latter indicates something causing death. While "mortal" is frequently used, it should not be employed lightly; it implies a direct risk of death, not just discomfort. Consider alternatives like "subject to death" or "transient" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to death

Focuses on the condition of being under the power of death.

liable to die

Emphasizes the probability or risk of dying.

not eternal

Highlights the contrast with immortality or everlasting existence.

human

Refers to the inherent mortality associated with being human.

earthly

Suggests a connection to the physical world and its limitations, including death.

transient

Emphasizes the fleeting and temporary nature of life.

finite

Highlights the limited and measurable lifespan.

perishable

Focuses on the body's susceptibility to decay and death.

ephemeral

Stresses the brevity and short-lived quality of existence.

fleeting

Similar to ephemeral, but emphasizes the quick passage of time.

FAQs

How can I use "mortal" in a sentence?

You can use "mortal" to describe something that is subject to death, like "All humans are mortal". It can also describe something causing death, such as "a mortal wound".

What is a good alternative to "mortal" when describing something subject to death?

Alternatives include "subject to death", "finite", or "transient", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "mortal" or "immortal"?

"Mortal" describes something that will die, while "immortal" describes something that will live forever. They are antonyms.

What's the difference between "mortal" and "fatal"?

"Mortal" generally refers to being subject to death, while "fatal" describes something that causes death. A human is "mortal", while a "fatal" injury is one that causes death.