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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
take someone's life
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
21 human-written examples
How can he do that one day and then next day decide he's going to take someone's life.
News & Media
You take someone's life away, no matter if he's going to kill you, and you don't ever get over it".
News & Media
"Even when I was a proponent, you still have this feeling inside that it's a horrible thing to deliberately take someone's life," he said.
News & Media
He said the fear is legitimate because "there's clearly a willingness on the part of these actors to take someone's life if they betray them".
News & Media
"You're not supposed to take someone's life".
News & Media
Are you prepared to take someone's life?
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
38 human-written examples
There is a narrow line between actively taking someone's life and supporting their passing, and that's the art of medicine".
News & Media
"Nothing justifies the state taking someone's life," he added.
News & Media
"Someone who takes someone's life deserves death".
News & Media
"Think about that: you are taking someone's life away.
News & Media
The feeling of 'I'm responsible for taking someone's life' has got to be excruciating.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "take someone's life", consider the audience and context. It is a sensitive topic, so choose your words carefully to avoid causing offense or distress. Use it when you need to clearly and directly state the act of ending a person's life.
Common error
Avoid using "take someone's life" loosely to describe situations that are not directly related to causing death. For example, do not use it metaphorically to describe ruining someone's career or happiness, as it trivializes the gravity of the act.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "take someone's life" functions as a verb phrase where "take" is the verb and "someone's life" is the direct object. Ludwig AI's examples show it's used to describe the act of ending a person's existence.
Frequent in
News & Media
79%
Wiki
7%
Formal & Business
3%
Less common in
Science
3%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "take someone's life" is a common and direct way to describe the act of ending a person's existence. Grammatically correct and frequently used, it carries a neutral tone suitable for news, legal, and general discussions. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in news and media sources, reinforcing its role in serious and factual reporting. While synonyms exist, such as "kill someone" or "end someone's life", context is crucial to ensure appropriate and sensitive usage. The phrase is widely understood, making it effective for clear communication in serious matters.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
end someone's life
Replaces "take" with "end", focusing on the termination of life.
cause someone's death
Shifts the focus to the causation of death rather than the act of taking life.
kill someone
A more direct and common synonym for causing death.
murder someone
Specifies an unlawful killing.
deprive someone of life
Highlights the act of removing life from someone.
assassinate someone
Implies a politically motivated killing of a prominent person.
terminate someone's existence
A more formal and clinical way of expressing the end of life.
extinguish someone's life
Uses a metaphorical term suggesting the end of a flame.
slay someone
A more archaic and dramatic term for killing.
bring about someone's demise
Focuses on causing someone's downfall or death.
FAQs
What does "take someone's life" mean?
To "take someone's life" means to end their existence or cause their death, typically through violence or other deliberate actions.
What are some synonyms for "take someone's life"?
Synonyms include "kill someone", "murder someone", "end someone's life", and "cause someone's death".
Is "take someone's life" a formal or informal phrase?
The phrase "take someone's life" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is often associated with serious or legal discussions.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take someone's life"?
It is appropriate to use the phrase "take someone's life" when discussing or describing situations involving death, homicide, or the act of ending a person's life, especially in news reports, legal documents, and serious conversations.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested