will be killed off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will be killed off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the removal or elimination of a character, idea, or concept, often in storytelling or discussions about plans. Example: "In the next season of the show, several main characters will be killed off to create more drama and tension."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

A long-standing community will be killed off overnight".

The Guardian - Tech

At least one major cast member will be killed off as the story unfolds.

Independent

I have concerns that my discipline will be killed off by inflated claims and over-ambitious predictions.

The Guardian - Opinion

At a time of doleful speculation that traditional printed books will be killed off by the explosion of interest in electronic and digital formats, his enthusiasm is unwavering.

The New York Times - Arts

Earlier this week, reports emerged that a major original character will be killed off in the movie at the hands of Adam Driver's new villain.

Independent

He would not say whether Jackie will be killed off, though if he doesn't make it to the new season, he said, "There's always flashbacks".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

And in the meantime, the dust this will create will be killing off the leaves.

The New York Times

"The Simpsons," that stalwart of adult-angled animation now in its 25th season, also will be killing off a major character, according to its executive producer. .

Los Angeles Times

"I'm sure book stores didn't want Amazon when they started and phone companies said we'll be killed off by Skype," said Garcetti.

Huffington Post

Author Helen Fielding has been thrust back into the spotlight after leaving die-hard Bridget Jones's Diary fans aghast at the news that she will be killing off her awkward but adorable Prince Charming, Mark Darcy, in the next instalment of the novel, set to be published next month.

Independent

7. Alaska Airlines announced that they will be killing off the Virgin America brand that it bought for $2.6 billion, sometime in 2019.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will be killed off" when referring to a character's death in fiction or the end of a concept or product. Consider the context to choose a more formal or informal alternative if needed.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "will be killed off" if active voice creates a more direct and impactful sentence. For instance, instead of "The character will be killed off by the writer", consider "The writer will kill off the character".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be killed off" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject will undergo the action of being killed. As Ludwig AI reports, this phrase is considered correct. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing character deaths in fictional works, as well as the discontinuation of products or ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "will be killed off" is a common passive construction used to describe the planned or expected termination of something, particularly characters in fictional narratives or discontinued products. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it carries a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, consider the nuance it adds: a sense of intentionality or planned removal. If a more formal or active tone is desired, alternatives like "will be eliminated" or "the writer will kill off the character" can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be eliminated

Focuses on removal or eradication in a more general sense.

will be terminated

Suggests a formal or official end.

will be taken out

Implies direct action to remove something or someone.

will be removed

Similar to 'eliminated' but emphasizes physical removal.

will be written out

Specifically refers to removing a character from a story.

will be phased out

Indicates a gradual removal over time.

will be discontinued

Refers to stopping the production or offering of something.

will be axed

Informal term indicating abrupt termination.

will meet their end

Suggests a final conclusion or demise.

will cease to exist

Highlights the complete disappearance or destruction of something.

FAQs

How can I use "will be killed off" in a sentence?

You can use "will be killed off" to describe the planned removal of a character in a story or the discontinuation of a product. For example, "The main character "will be killed off" in the season finale".

What are some alternatives to "will be killed off"?

Alternatives include "will be eliminated", "will be terminated", or "will be removed", depending on the context. These offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

Is "will be killed off" formal or informal?

"Will be killed off" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "will be eliminated" or "will cease to exist".

What's the difference between "will be killed off" and "will die"?

"Will die" is a more direct statement of death. "Will be killed off" often implies a deliberate act by someone within a narrative, suggesting the character's death is part of a larger plan or story element, not just a natural occurrence. Consider also "will be written out".