possibility of death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possibility of death" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing risks, outcomes, or scenarios where death may occur. Example: "In extreme sports, participants must always be aware of the possibility of death due to accidents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one mentions the possibility of death.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's the possibility of death".

The New Yorker

Do you think about the possibility of death?

The New Yorker

Can a poem or a novel palliate pain, illness, even the possibility of death?

Cornell University

"He is facing the possibility of death or life in prison.

The Guardian

A healthy donor always faces an unnecessary major surgical procedure and even the possibility of death.

Britannica

"There is no break in the constant worry about a reaction or the possibility of death".

The New York Times

He faced the possibility of death by Franco's favoured method of execution, the garrotte.

The Guardian - Books

In exchange for good wages, the men accepted the possibility of death.

The New Yorker

Even in the vigil, he said, he never accepted the possibility of death.

The New York Times

"One is a deep ambivalence, undergirded by cultural considerations, about discussing the possibility of death.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, using "possibility of death" can be more tactful than more direct alternatives. For example, when consoling someone, framing the situation in terms of possibilities can soften the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "possibility of death" in situations where the risk is minimal or hyperbolic. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Instead, opt for phrases like "potential for complications" or "risk of minor injury".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possibility of death" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a potential outcome or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. For example, "facing the possibility of death" shows it acting as the object of a preposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possibility of death" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, according to Ludwig AI. It serves to highlight the potential for fatal outcomes in various contexts, from news reports and scientific studies to encyclopedic entries. While generally neutral in register, its formality can shift depending on the situation. The phrase is most common in news and media and science contexts. Remember to consider the gravity of the phrase and its appropriateness for the situation. While alternatives exist, "possibility of death" effectively conveys the uncertainty and potential for fatal outcomes, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risk of dying

Focuses on the potential danger and negative outcome, emphasizing the chance of fatality.

chance of mortality

Highlights the statistical probability of death, framing it as a calculated risk or eventuality.

likelihood of fatality

Emphasizes the probability of a fatal outcome, often used in statistical or analytical contexts.

prospect of demise

Refers to the anticipation or outlook of death, often in a more formal or literary context.

danger of perishing

Focuses on the immediate risk and vulnerability to death, highlighting a precarious situation.

eventuality of dying

Presents death as an inevitable outcome at some point in time.

threat of extinction

Implies a greater scale of death, such as the disappearance of a species or group.

potential for non-survival

Emphasizes a lack of ability to continue living, often in scientific or medical contexts.

peril of expiration

Highlights the danger leading to the termination of life, similar to perishing but slightly more formal.

hazard of life-ending events

Broadly covers various dangers and incidents that may result in death.

FAQs

How can I use "possibility of death" in a sentence?

You can use "possibility of death" to discuss potential dangers or risks. For example: "The mountain climbers were aware of the possibility of death due to the treacherous conditions."

What phrases are similar to "possibility of death"?

Alternatives include "risk of dying", "chance of mortality", or "likelihood of fatality". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "possibility of death" or "risk of death"?

Both phrases are correct, but "risk of death" is generally more direct and common. "Possibility of death" may be preferred when emphasizing the uncertainty or potential nature of the event.

When is it appropriate to use "possibility of death" in writing?

It is appropriate when discussing situations involving genuine and significant threats to life, such as in medical reports, safety warnings, or discussions of high-risk activities. Overuse in less serious contexts can be melodramatic.