that will kill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that will kill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing something that will cause death or destruction, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "If you don't take care of your health, that will kill your chances of living a long life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The second is to develop a microbicide that will kill the virus in the vagina.

The Economist

The contrarians will cite other banes (alcohol, cars, flu) that will kill more of us tomorrow.

The New Yorker

She replies that the next hand he shakes is the one that will kill him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Out of any single problem, this is the one that will kill the golden goose.

Independent

"You don't want to sell something that will kill someone," Elfman said.

The New Yorker

But it is a lack of oxygen that will kill you quickest.

The Economist

She says she is waiting for the cerebral haemorrhage that will kill her.

The Guardian

Keep in mind: it's not the bees that will kill you; it's their stingers.

The New Yorker

Nobody argues with the pesticides used on cotton plants that will kill wildlife.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The other, that will kill even more people, is the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe.

The Guardian

In practice, the thing that will kill you in space is simply the lack of air.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that will kill" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly conveys the non-literal meaning to avoid misinterpretation. For instance, instead of saying "Procrastination will kill your productivity", consider "Procrastination will severely hinder your productivity" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "that will kill" too casually in informal conversations or writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or insensitive. Opt for milder expressions like "that will ruin" or "that will spoil" in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

Relative clause acting as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to specify something that will cause death or destruction. Ludwig examples show usage across diverse topics like health, politics, and technology, confirming its role in attributing fatal or destructive qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that will kill" functions as a relative clause, acting as an adjective, is grammatically correct, and enjoys widespread usage. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase frequently appears in diverse contexts, notably News & Media, Wiki, and Science, fulfilling the communicative purpose of expressing a deadly or destructive consequence. While it maintains a relatively neutral register, mindful usage is crucial, particularly in informal settings, where a milder tone might be more suitable. When aiming for semantic precision, consider using alternative phrases like "that will cause death" or "that will be lethal".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that will cause death

Emphasizes the direct action of causing mortality.

that will be lethal

Highlights the potential for fatality.

that will prove fatal

Stresses the inevitable deadly result.

that will lead to destruction

Focuses on the outcome of widespread damage rather than just death.

that will spell the end

Highlights a definitive conclusion or termination.

that will bring about demise

Emphasizes a formal and often gradual end.

that will extinguish

Implies a putting out or suppression of life or activity.

that will terminate

Highlights a formal or abrupt ending.

that will eradicate

Emphasizes complete removal or destruction.

that will annihilate

Stresses total obliteration or destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "that will kill" in a sentence?

You can use "that will kill" to describe something that will cause death or destruction. For example, "The lack of oxygen is the thing "that will kill" you in space."

What are some alternatives to "that will kill"?

Alternatives include "that will cause death", "that will be lethal", or "that will destroy" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "that will kill" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using "that will kill" in formal writing depends on the context. It may be too strong in some cases; consider alternatives like "that will prove fatal" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "that will kill" and "that could kill"?

"That will kill" implies a higher degree of certainty about the outcome, while "that could kill" suggests a possibility but not a certainty. For example, "Drinking that poison will kill you" versus "Drinking that poison could kill you".