she is deadly

USAGE SUMMARY

"she is deadly" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a person who is very good at something or very dangerous in some way. It can also be used in a sarcastic or ironic way. Example 1: "She is deadly with a bow and arrow, always hitting the bullseye." Example 2: "Watch out for her, she is deadly when it comes to negotiating deals." Example 3: "She may seem small and innocent, but she is deadly when it comes to playing pranks on her friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

She is deadly.

Independent

"Look me in the eyes!" She is deadly serious.

The Guardian - Arts

Unlike some singers who have tried direction, she is deadly serious about this new career.

The Guardian - Music

"Running at you, she is deadly on the finish," Briana Scurry, the goalkeeper for the United States, said.

The New York Times - Sports

But for all her friendly ease and good humour (Lawless leads a charmed life and she knows it), about climate change she is deadly serious, and her voice rises and changes when she talks about it.

The Guardian

But she is deadly serious about what she calls the virtual economy - a vast swath of activity, amounting to 20% of GDP, that stretches from Google's ad platforms to the giant IT companies that process government data.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

She was deadly serious.

The New York Times

She's deadly serious.

Independent

She was deadly serious about acting.

The Guardian - Film

We both laughed, even though she was deadly serious.

The Guardian - Arts

Her eyes are twinkling as she says this, but she's deadly serious.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "she is deadly", consider the context to ensure the level of formality and intensity aligns with your intended message. For instance, in a formal setting, "she is lethal" might be more appropriate, while in a casual setting, "she is deadly" adds a touch of dramatic flair.

Common error

Avoid using "she is deadly" too frequently in informal conversations, as it can sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Opt for milder alternatives like "she's really good" or "she's excellent" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she is deadly" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a characteristic of being highly skilled, dangerous, or effective to a female subject. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in contexts ranging from combat to negotiations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she is deadly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys a high degree of skill, seriousness, or danger attributed to a female subject. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly informal register. While generally acceptable, the appropriateness of its use depends heavily on the context, with more formal situations potentially benefiting from alternatives like ""she is lethal"" or ""she is extremely dangerous"". Overall, using "she is deadly" effectively requires careful consideration of tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she is lethal

Uses a more formal and direct synonym for "deadly".

she is extremely dangerous

Emphasizes the element of danger more explicitly.

she is seriously dangerous

Adds emphasis to the dangerous nature.

she is a serious threat

Highlights the threatening aspect.

she is a force to be reckoned with

Implies power and potential danger.

she is incredibly skilled

Shifts focus to skill level, removing the negative connotation.

she is formidably talented

Highlights talent in a way that suggests a powerful presence.

she is highly proficient

Highlights competence and expertise.

she is extremely competent

Emphasizes the competence and skill.

she is no joke

Emphasizes seriousness.

FAQs

How can I use "she is deadly" in a sentence?

You can use "she is deadly" to describe someone highly skilled or dangerous. For example, "In negotiations, "she is deadly", always securing the best deals" or "With a sword, "she is deadly", a true master of combat".

What are some alternatives to "she is deadly"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "she is lethal", "she is extremely dangerous", or "she is a force to be reckoned with". Each option offers a slightly different nuance.

Is "she is deadly" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "she is deadly" might be too informal for highly formal contexts. Consider using "she is lethal" or "she is extremely dangerous" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "she is deadly" and "she is deadly serious"?

"She is deadly" generally refers to skill or dangerousness, while "she is deadly serious" indicates that she is very earnest and not joking about something. The first focuses on ability; the second, on intent.