this could be fatal

USAGE SUMMARY

"this could be fatal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase in cases where you want to emphasize the seriousness of a situation or to express that the situation could have a very negative outcome. For example: "If they do not reach a decision soon, this could be fatal to their business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Although, for those consumers who choose to vigilantly monitor their intake levels of ephedra because they wish to use the product in conjunction with other medications, this could be fatal.

Harvard University

In the wild, this could be fatal.

Science Magazine

His doctor Levi warns him that this could be fatal to him, but Grand Vizier Mehmed Sokolović supports him.

BBC

This could be fatal".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Very sick people could literally stake their lives on this animal product, and that could be fatal.

Huffington Post

If you can't get the last corner to join, do this: With two people (twisting the shelf at this point could be fatal) lift the entire bookshelf up onto its side so that the loose corner is on the floor.

WikiHow

Always do sell players but this time could be fatal.

The Guardian - Sport

For a firm that thrives on its reputation, proximity to misdeeds of this sort could be fatal, according to former McKinsey consultants who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Huffington Post

If they listen to the Tea Party's much-publicized rhetoric and act on it, even if it's only with a one-time protest vote this November, incumbency could be fatal.

Huffington Post

In some susceptible populations, such as those with hypertension or vascular disease, this increase in arterial pressure could be fatal if appropriate compensatory mechanisms are also compromised.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Don't use this snare on pets, it could be fatal.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly supports the use of such a strong phrase. Overstating the danger can diminish credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "this could be fatal" in contexts where the consequences are minor or easily reversible. Using it for trivial issues dilutes its impact and can make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

This phrase functions as a warning or cautionary statement. It is used to highlight the potential for extremely negative, life-threatening outcomes. Ludwig's examples show it applied across varied contexts, emphasizing danger.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this could be fatal" is a potent warning signifier, employed to underscore situations bearing the potential for life-threatening or severely detrimental outcomes. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and contextually versatile, yet should be wielded judiciously to preserve its impact. The phrase is typically used in News & Media, Academia, and Science. For scenarios requiring a gentler tone, alternatives like "this could be serious" or "this may lead to severe harm" offer suitable substitutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might prove deadly

Substitutes 'fatal' with 'deadly', highlighting the potential for death.

this could have lethal consequences

Replaces 'fatal' with 'lethal consequences', emphasizing the outcome.

this could be life-threatening

Specifies that the threat is to life, making the danger explicit.

this may lead to severe harm

Focuses on the potential for serious harm rather than death.

this could spell disaster

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate a very negative outcome.

this could end in tragedy

Emphasizes the tragic nature of the potential outcome.

the repercussions could be devastating

Highlights the widespread and damaging impact of the possible result.

this could be extremely dangerous

Focuses on the high level of risk involved.

this action carries grave risks

Highlights that the action, rather than a general 'this', involves considerable risk.

this poses a significant threat

Emphasizes the threatening nature of the situation, focusing on potential harm.

FAQs

How to use "this could be fatal" in a sentence?

Use "this could be fatal" to emphasize a situation with potentially deadly or severely damaging consequences. For example, "Ignoring these symptoms could be fatal" or "A single mistake at this stage could be fatal to the entire project".

What can I say instead of "this could be fatal"?

You can use alternatives like "this might prove deadly", "this could have lethal consequences", or "this could be life-threatening" depending on the context.

Is "this could be fatal" an overstatement?

It depends on the context. If the situation genuinely involves a risk of death or severe and irreversible damage, then it is appropriate. However, using it in less serious situations would be an overstatement.

What's the difference between "this could be fatal" and "this could be serious"?

"This could be fatal" indicates a risk of death or irreversible harm, while "this could be serious" suggests that the situation may have significant negative consequences, but not necessarily life-threatening ones.