prove deadly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prove deadly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something has the potential to cause death or serious harm. Example: "The new strain of the virus could prove deadly if not contained quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

All can prove deadly.

The Economist

That may prove deadly.

The Guardian

This difference of perception would prove deadly.

The New York Times

And even tiny traces may prove deadly to some people, like a 94-year-old.

The New York Times

Will these toxins in the bloodstream prove deadly or amenable to treatment?

The New York Times

In combination with a narrow ledge and a fall off a steep cliff, this can prove deadly.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

For some the flooding proved deadly.

The New York Times

Even so, the project proved deadly.

The New York Times

The combination of damp and cold proved deadly.

The New York Times

This sudden slackening of dramatic tension is proving deadly.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fractures proved deadly in two-thirds of the cases.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prove deadly", ensure the context clearly establishes the potential for death or severe harm. Avoid using it in trivial situations.

Common error

Avoid using "prove deadly" in situations where the consequences are not life-threatening. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prove deadly" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing its potential to cause death. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prove deadly" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something with the potential to cause death or severe harm. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and frequently used. It is most often found in news and media contexts, where it serves to warn of potential dangers or highlight the severity of certain situations. While alternatives such as "turn out fatal" or "become lethal" exist, "prove deadly" maintains a distinct emphasis on the process or demonstration of lethality. Therefore, writers should use the expression with caution, considering the context and ensuring that the situation warrants such a grave description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn out fatal

Focuses on the outcome being fatal, shifting from the process of proving to the end result.

become lethal

Emphasizes the inherent lethal quality that something develops over time.

result in death

Directly states the outcome as death, removing the element of proving or becoming.

have fatal consequences

Highlights the consequences as being fatal, focusing on the impact.

end in tragedy

Indicates a tragic outcome, which may or may not involve death.

lead to mortality

Formal and scientific, focusing on the biological outcome of mortality.

prove catastrophic

Describes the outcome as disastrous, broader than just death.

become destructive

Highlights the destructive nature, which may not necessarily lead to death.

have dire repercussions

Emphasizes the serious and negative repercussions, without specifically mentioning death.

spell doom

More metaphorical and dramatic, suggesting an impending negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "prove deadly" in a sentence?

You can use "prove deadly" to describe situations, substances, or actions that have the potential to cause death. For example, "The combination of the two drugs could "turn out fatal"".

What can I say instead of "prove deadly"?

Alternatives to "prove deadly" include "become lethal", "result in death", or "have fatal consequences", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "prove deadly" or "proves deadly"?

"Prove deadly" is generally used in hypothetical or future scenarios, while "proves deadly" is used when describing something that is currently demonstrating its deadly nature. For example, "The mistake could "prove deadly"", versus "The virus "proves deadly"".

What's the difference between "prove deadly" and "prove fatal"?

While both phrases indicate a potentially lethal outcome, "prove deadly" can sometimes suggest a more active or demonstrative process leading to death, while "prove fatal" simply indicates that the outcome was deadly. They are largely interchangeable.