this could kill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could kill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that something has the potential to cause serious harm or death, often in a dramatic or exaggerated manner. Example: "Be careful with that chemical; this could kill if ingested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"This could kill the revolution".

The New York Times

This could kill him," she said.

The Guardian

This could kill off some small innovative start-ups.

The Economist

For private owner/operators, this could kill their year.

The New York Times

One power-station builder thinks that this could kill another ten projects.

The Economist

In the case of avian flu, this could kill people very directly.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

[This] could kill him". Jackson "can barely speak", Halperin claimed, and "the vision in his left eye is 95% gone".

The Guardian - Music

"For this I could kill myself".

The Guardian - Books

"Rita's Champagne has such a beautiful nose," he said, "the aroma of this dish could kill it".

The New York Times - Food

"She's a very strong woman … but this really could kill her," said Tommi Avicolli Mecca, director of counseling programs with the Housing Rights Committee, a local advocacy group.

The Guardian

He held up the piece of paper for the woman to see, and when she saw it she gasped, then read it out loud: "This boy could kill".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this could kill" to add emphasis or drama to a situation where the potential for harm is significant. Be mindful of your audience and the context to ensure it's appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "this could kill" too frequently, as it can lose its impact and sound melodramatic. Opt for more nuanced language when appropriate to maintain the seriousness of the situation without overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could kill" functions as a declarative statement expressing a potential and serious consequence. Based on examples Ludwig provides, it's used to warn about possible dangers or risks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this could kill" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to warn about potential dangers or risks. As Ludwig AI states, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and carries a neutral to informal tone. While effective for emphasizing danger, overuse can diminish its impact. Alternative expressions like "this could be fatal" or "this could be deadly" can provide nuanced options to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might be fatal

Replaces "could" with "might be" and "kill" with "fatal", suggesting a potentially deadly outcome.

this could be deadly

Substitutes "kill" with "deadly", emphasizing the potential for causing death.

this has the potential to be lethal

Uses more formal language to express the possibility of causing death.

this poses a serious threat

Shifts the focus to the level of danger, rather than the specific outcome of death.

this could have grave consequences

Highlights the severity of the potential results, without explicitly mentioning death.

this could lead to disaster

Indicates a potential for a calamitous outcome.

this might ruin everything

Focuses on the potential for complete destruction or failure.

this spells trouble

Uses a more informal expression to indicate impending problems.

this could be the end of it

Expresses the idea that something could cease to exist or function.

this is playing with fire

An idiomatic expression warning of a risky or dangerous situation.

FAQs

How can I use "this could kill" in a sentence?

You can use "this could kill" to emphasize the potential danger of a situation. For example, "Don't touch that wire; "this could kill" you."

What are some alternatives to "this could kill"?

Alternatives include "this could be fatal", "this could be deadly", or "this poses a serious threat".

Is it appropriate to use "this could kill" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "this could kill" might be too dramatic for some formal contexts. Consider using a more neutral alternative like "this could have grave consequences".

What's the difference between "this could kill" and "this might kill"?

"Could" suggests a possibility, while "might" indicates a slightly lower probability. Both express potential danger, but "could" is often used when the risk is perceived to be more significant than when saying "might".