the killing was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the killing was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing events related to violence, crime, or significant incidents involving death. Example: "The killing was a tragic event that shocked the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The killing was renewed.

The New York Times

The killing was ideologically catholic.

The New Yorker

The killing was also predictable.

Independent

The killing was bad enough.

The New York Times - Books

that the killing was done..

Cornell University

The killing was completely random, she said.

The New York Times

All the killing was random.

The Guardian

The killing was claimed by Islamic State.

The Guardian

The prosecution insists the killing was premeditated.

The Guardian

The killing was at 7 30 p.m.

The New York Times

But he said the killing was justified.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the killing was", ensure the context clearly establishes what or who was killed. Clarity avoids ambiguity and ensures effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "the killing was" without sufficient context. Always provide enough information about the victim and the circumstances to prevent confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the killing was" functions as a subject complement. It typically describes the nature, cause, or circumstances surrounding an act of killing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the killing was" is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts to describe events surrounding an act causing death. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and notes its prevalent usage in news, academic, and scientific domains. While generally neutral in tone, context dictates whether it leans towards formality or informality. Consider alternatives like "the murder was" or "the homicide was" to refine the tone based on your specific needs. Always ensure contextual clarity to avoid ambiguity. Keep in mind that the choice of alternative phrases depends on whether the legality and intent are known.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the murder was

Replaces 'killing' with 'murder', emphasizing the unlawful nature of the act.

the homicide was

Substitutes 'killing' with 'homicide', a more formal term for the act of causing death.

the slaying was

Uses 'slaying' instead of 'killing', often implying a more violent or dramatic act.

the assassination was

Replaces 'killing' with 'assassination', specifying that the victim was a prominent figure and the act was politically motivated.

the victim's death was

Shifts focus to the 'victim's death', making it about the person who died and avoiding direct reference to the action.

the fatality was

Uses 'fatality' instead of 'killing', emphasizing the outcome or result of the deadly act.

the cause of death was

Focuses on the 'cause of death', distancing the phrase from the act of killing itself.

the incident resulted in death

Rephrases to focus on the 'incident' and its consequence, avoiding a direct description of the killing.

the act of violence was

Uses 'act of violence' to describe the event, which is a broader term than just 'killing'.

the perpetrator's action was

Focuses on the 'perpetrator's action', shifting the emphasis from the killing to the person responsible.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "the killing was"?

You can use alternatives like "the murder was", "the homicide was", or "the slaying was" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the killing was" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, especially in news reports, academic papers, and legal documents. However, consider the specific tone and audience. More formal alternatives like "the homicide was" might be preferable in certain contexts.

How to use "the killing was" in a sentence?

Ensure the sentence clearly identifies the victim and provides context for the circumstances. For example, "The killing was a tragic event that shocked the community" or "The killing was ruled as self-defense after a thorough investigation".

What's the difference between "the killing was" and "the murder was"?

"The killing was" is a general statement about an act causing death. "The murder was" implies the act was unlawful and intentional. The choice depends on whether the legality and intent are known.