she was killed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was killed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing events related to violence, crime, or accidents where a person has died as a result of an external action. Example: "The investigation revealed that she was killed during the robbery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

And then she was killed.

The New York Times

She was killed by police.

University of California, Berkeley

Then she was killed.

The Washington Post

She was killed instantly.

The Guardian

She was killed there.

The New York Times

She was killed at the Bataclan.

Independent

"In Ndola, she was killed".

The New Yorker

This time, she was killed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

For each person, the indictment includes a description of how he or she was killed/seriously injured.

Crime Science

"I think she was killed," Shelton said.

Huffington Post

She was killed because she was wearing a hijab.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on a death, consider the audience and choose language that is respectful and appropriate for the context. "She was killed" is direct, but alternatives might be more suitable depending on the situation.

Common error

Refrain from using overly dramatic or sensational language when reporting on a death. Focus on accurate and respectful reporting rather than emotional exaggeration. For example, instead of saying "she was brutally killed", consider "she was killed" or "she died as a result of the attack".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was killed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (she) was the recipient of an action that resulted in her death. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she was killed" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a woman's death resulted from an external action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Primarily used in news and media, the phrase serves to report or inform about a death, maintaining a neutral register. While alternatives like "she was murdered" or "she lost her life" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. When using this phrase, ensure respectful and accurate reporting, avoiding sensationalism. The phrase is straightforward and factual, making it widely applicable across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was murdered

Emphasizes the intentional and unlawful nature of the killing.

she lost her life

A more euphemistic way of saying someone died, often used to soften the impact of the news.

she was the victim of

Highlights that the person was acted upon by an external force or event that caused death.

she died as a result of

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship leading to death.

her life was taken

Emphasizes the act of taking a life, often implying injustice.

she was a victim of homicide

A formal and legalistic way to describe a killing.

she was a fatality

A neutral term indicating death as a result of an accident or disaster.

she was fatally wounded

Focuses on the injury that led to the death.

she was slain

An archaic term for being killed, often used in dramatic or historical contexts.

she met her demise

A more formal or literary way to say someone died.

FAQs

What's a less direct way to say "she was killed"?

You can use phrases like "she lost her life" or "she died as a result of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "she was killed" in formal writing?

Yes, "she was killed" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, consider the tone and audience when choosing your words. A more formal alternative might be "she was a victim of homicide".

What are some synonyms for "killed" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use "murdered", "slain", or "fatally wounded". Consider the specific circumstances and the intended tone.

How does "she was killed" differ from "she died"?

"She died" is a general statement of death, while "she was killed" implies an external agent or cause of death. "She died" could be due to natural causes, accident, or intentional harm, but "she was killed" specifically indicates that someone or something caused her death.