several killings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several killings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to multiple instances of murder or homicide in a specific context, such as news reports or crime discussions. Example: "The police are investigating several killings that occurred in the downtown area over the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Edgar Matobato said that he belonged to a group of vigilante killers nicknamed the Davao Death Squad, which assassinated more than 1,000 people in the city; that Duterte ordered several killings; and that Duterte himself once killed a Department of Justice agent with an Uzi.

Los Angeles Times

"We shouldn't devalue ourselves to an Air Jordan". Killing over designer sneakers and jackets had been the motive in several killings a number of years ago, but hasn't surfaced in too many crimes recently.

The Washington Post

The Metropolitan Police are investigating several killings across England, including those by the Croydon Cat Killer.

The Times

Several killings of tourists have been reported in a little more than a year.

The New York Times

Several killings occurred in the days surrounding unusual protest marches against paramilitary forces here last month.

The New York Times

But after a special inquiry team was created, Mr. Nkabinde was charged with several killings and jailed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Several killing factors are involved in the lysis of pneumococcal cells.

Cell Death and Disease

The role of serpins in neoplastic cells has been focused in several studies and recent reports indicate that SCCA expression makes cancer cells resistant to several killing mechanisms by inhibition of apoptosis, involving caspase-3 activity and/or upstream proteases (Suminami et al, 2000).

British Journal of Cancer

The suggestion comes on the heels of several "honor killings" in the area, in which families killed couples who had married against their wishes.

The New York Times

The petitioners call for an investigation into several recent killings.

The New Yorker

It includes several brutal killings and a lot of tense F.B.I.-agent-under-pressure swearing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several killings", ensure the context clearly establishes the unlawful or violent nature of the deaths. Avoid using it in contexts where the deaths are due to natural causes or accidents.

Common error

Avoid using "several killings" in contexts where it may sensationalize or trivialize the gravity of the events. Opt for more neutral or formal language when reporting on sensitive topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several killings" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to multiple instances of taking a life. Examples from Ludwig show it used in news reports and crime discussions, reinforcing its role in describing events involving multiple deaths.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "several killings" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe multiple instances of homicide. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to inform or report on events involving multiple deaths. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's important to avoid using it in contexts that may sensationalize or trivialize the events. Alternatives like "multiple homicides" or "numerous murders" can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. The analysis indicates that understanding the context and potential impact is crucial when employing this phrase in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple homicides

Replaces "killings" with the more formal "homicides", emphasizing the legal aspect of the deaths.

numerous murders

Substitutes "several" with "numerous" and "killings" with "murders", highlighting the intentional and unlawful nature of the deaths.

several acts of homicide

Emphasizes the legal classification of the events as homicides.

a series of slayings

Uses "a series of" to indicate multiple events and "slayings" as a more dramatic synonym for "killings".

repeated instances of unlawful killing

Focuses on the unlawful nature of the killings and emphasizes their repetition.

a number of fatalities

Replaces the active "killings" with the more passive "fatalities", focusing on the outcome of death.

a spate of murders

Highlights a sudden increase or outbreak of murders.

several instances of lethal violence

Replaces "killings" with a more descriptive and formal phrase.

various assassinations

Implies targeted and politically motivated killings.

multiple deaths

A more general term that refers to several deaths, without specifying the cause.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "several killings"?

You can use alternatives like "multiple homicides", "numerous murders", or "a series of slayings" depending on the specific context.

How to use "several killings" in a sentence?

You can use "several killings" to describe multiple instances of unlawful deaths, for example: "The police are investigating "several killings" that occurred in the downtown area."

What is the difference between "several killings" and "massacre"?

"Several killings" refers to multiple instances of homicide, while "massacre" implies a single event involving the indiscriminate killing of a large number of people.

Is "several killings" formal or informal language?

"Several killings" is generally considered neutral language, suitable for news reports and factual accounts. More formal alternatives include "multiple homicides".