that the killer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that the killer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing a crime, investigation, or narrative involving a murderer. Example: "The detective revealed that the killer had left behind a crucial piece of evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

I won't pretend that The Killer Inside Me presents an uncomplicated case.

Independent

I also believe that the killer was mad.

The Guardian - Opinion

The morning Capus returned, he learned that the killer had sent NBC a package.

The Washington Post

Adamsberg is convinced that the killer is the sinister Judge Fulgence, reported dead 16 years earlier.

The Economist

Abdul Samad was angry and distraught that the killer had even burned the bodies.

The New York Times

But she learns that the killer is "the Major", a Russian gangster en route to Marbella.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"That was the killer.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's the killer from Copenhagen".

The New York Times

That was the killer quote.

The Guardian - Sport

That's the killer question.

The Guardian

It's apathy that's the killer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "that the killer", ensure the context clearly establishes who "the killer" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "that the killer" excessively in writing that aims to be objective or formal. In these contexts, consider more neutral terms like "the perpetrator" or "the offender".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that the killer" functions as a dependent clause introducing information or facts about the murderer. It's often used after verbs like discover, reveal, confirm, or believe. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Academic

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that the killer" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction, especially in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to introduce information about a murderer, with a neutral register suitable for factual reporting. While versatile, writers should be mindful of overusing it in sensationalized writing. Alternatives such as "the perpetrator" or "the offender" offer more formal options, whereas rephrasing to focus on the identity directly (e.g., "who the killer is") may improve clarity in certain constructions. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively and appropriately use "that the killer" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

who the murderer is

Directly asks about the identity, framing it as a question.

the identity of the murderer

Focuses on the specific information regarding who the killer is.

the one who committed the crime

A more descriptive and less direct way of referring to the killer.

the perpetrator's actions

Shifts the focus from the person to what they did.

the individual responsible for the deaths

Formal and indirect, emphasizing responsibility.

the person who took their lives

Emphasizes the act of taking a life, focusing on the victim.

the culprit's motive

Highlights the reason behind the killer's actions.

the offender in question

A legalistic and detached way to refer to the killer.

the assassin's target

Specifically refers to a hired killer or someone with a specific target.

the suspect's involvement

Focuses on the potential implication of someone in the crime.

FAQs

How can I use "that the killer" in a sentence?

You can use "that the killer" to introduce a fact or detail about a murderer or perpetrator. For example, "Investigators discovered "that the killer" had a history of violence".

What are some alternatives to saying "that the killer"?

Alternatives include "the murderer", "the perpetrator", or "the offender" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "that the killer"?

While grammatically correct, using "that the killer" might be inappropriate in sensitive contexts where a more respectful or neutral term is preferred, especially before a suspect is convicted. Consider "the alleged perpetrator" in such cases.

How does "that the killer" differ from "who the killer is"?

"That the killer" is generally used to introduce a fact or statement about the person, whereas "who the killer is" is used when the identity is the subject of the sentence or question. For example, "The evidence suggested "that the killer" was known to the victim" versus "The police are still trying to determine "who the killer is"".