to kill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to kill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing actions in literature, film, or even metaphorically in everyday language. Example: "The villain's plan was to kill the hero in the final act of the play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trying to kill us.

The New York Times

To Kill a Mockingbird?

Independent

"They're meant to kill.

The New York Times

That's going to kill".

The New Yorker

I hate to kill.

The New York Times

"To kill him".

The New York Times

"They meant to kill him".

The New Yorker

He decides to kill it.

The New Yorker

"She'd try to kill you".

The New Yorker

People wanted to kill me.

The New Yorker

He wants to kill people.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to kill", consider the context and choose a more specific verb if appropriate, such as "murder", "execute", or "slay", to convey the precise nature of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "to kill" too casually in metaphorical senses (e.g., "That joke killed"), as it can desensitize the impact of the word and diminish its gravity when describing actual acts of violence. Consider alternatives like "That joke landed well" or "That joke was a hit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to kill" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase, often serving as the object of a modal verb (e.g., "He wants to kill people") or expressing purpose (e.g., "They plan to kill him"). As Ludwig AI also confirms, it follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to kill" is a versatile infinitive verb phrase commonly used to express the act of ending a life or causing something to cease, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis. While grammatically correct and very common, its register varies depending on the context, ranging from neutral in news reports to dramatic in fiction. When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose a more precise verb if needed, such as "murder" or "slay". Be mindful of overuse in metaphorical contexts to maintain the word's impact. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to murder

Specifically implies an unlawful and intentional killing of another human being.

to eliminate

Focuses on removing something completely, which can include living beings or abstract concepts.

to terminate

Emphasizes the end of something, often used in formal contexts or when referring to processes.

to slay

A more archaic or literary term for killing, often used in fantasy or historical contexts.

to execute

Refers to carrying out a death sentence, often by legal authorities.

to dispatch

Suggests a quick and efficient killing, often used in military or hunting contexts.

to liquidate

Implies the elimination of something, often in a business or financial context, but can also refer to people.

to neutralize

Focuses on rendering something harmless or ineffective, which can involve killing.

to eradicate

Suggests the complete removal or destruction of something, often used for diseases or pests.

to put down

Often used euphemistically to describe the killing of an animal, usually due to illness or injury.

FAQs

How can I use "to kill" in a sentence?

The phrase "to kill" is used to express the act of ending a life or causing something to cease. For example, "The assassin's mission was to kill the target" or "The editor decided to kill the story".

What are some alternatives to "to kill"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to eliminate", "to murder", "to execute", or "to slay".

Is it ever appropriate to use "to kill" metaphorically?

Yes, "to kill" can be used metaphorically to describe something that stops or ends abruptly. For instance, "The bad news killed our plans" or "She was dressed to kill".

What is the difference between "to kill" and "to murder"?

"To kill" is a general term for ending a life, while "to murder" specifically refers to the unlawful and intentional killing of a human being.