phone is dead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "phone is dead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a phone has run out of battery or is not functioning. Example: "I can't call you right now because my phone is dead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I am profoundly drunk and my phone is dead.

The Guardian

There's nothing you can do: if the power's gone, the phone is dead.

The Guardian

Users can provide a backup phone number in case their phone is dead or lost, and receive a list of 10 backup codes to use if they can't get the codes via phone.

The New York Times

The caller I.D. set my heart pounding, but I calmed down when Zhen said, "Sorry, my cell phone is dead," before telling me that my mother wanted me to get new batteries for her bedside clock.

The New Yorker

The TV is switched off, the children are away, the phone is dead, the dogs are silent – and you are prowling in your kitchen, picking up a corkscrew or a wooden spoon as though trying to familiarise yourself with ordinary life.

Independent

Your phone is dead.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"But when I tried to call, the phone was dead".

The New York Times

He mumbled at her that his phone was dead.

The New Yorker

"He said his phone was dead," the stranger said the next day.

The New York Times

Realizing the phone was dead with no hope for resuscitation before the Christmas holiday, I began to keen.

The New York Times

Seconds later, before he could even finish asking a reporter for his number, the phone was dead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "phone is dead", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it's due to battery depletion or a malfunction. For example, specify "My phone is dead because I forgot to charge it" for clarity.

Common error

Don't assume your audience knows why the "phone is dead". Saying "My phone is dead, I can't call" is less helpful than specifying the cause, which could be anything from a broken screen to a software crash. Providing additional context is helpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "phone is dead" functions as a statement indicating that a phone is not currently working or operational. Ludwig AI confirms this as grammatically correct. The phrase suggests a lack of functionality, typically due to battery depletion or a hardware/software issue.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "phone is dead" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to indicate that a phone is not working, usually because the battery is depleted or due to a malfunction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally considered acceptable in neutral to informal contexts, and is often found in news articles and general conversation. For more formal communications, it's advisable to use alternative phrases such as "phone is non-operational". Remember to provide context to avoid ambiguity, and ensure regular charging to prevent this unfortunate state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

phone has no power

Focuses on the lack of electrical charge as the cause of the phone's state.

phone is out of battery

Specifically mentions the battery as the reason for the phone not working.

phone won't turn on

Describes the inability to activate the phone.

phone is unresponsive

Highlights the lack of reaction from the phone to user input.

phone is bricked

Indicates a severe malfunction rendering the phone unusable.

phone is non-operational

Formal way of stating that the phone is not working.

phone is kaput

Informal way of saying the phone is broken or not working.

phone is busted

Slang term implying the phone is broken.

phone ceased functioning

Formal way of stating the phone stopped working.

phone gave up the ghost

Idiomatic expression for the phone ceasing to function.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "phone is dead"?

When someone says "phone is dead", it usually means that the phone is not working, most commonly due to a depleted battery or a malfunction that prevents it from turning on.

What can I say instead of "phone is dead"?

You can use alternatives like "phone has no power", "phone is out of battery", or "phone won't turn on", depending on the specific reason the phone isn't working.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "phone is dead" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "phone is dead" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use phrases like "phone is non-operational" or "phone is not functioning" for a more professional tone.

How can I prevent my "phone is dead" situation?

To avoid your "phone is dead" situation, ensure you charge your phone regularly, carry a portable charger, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures that can drain the battery quickly.