"birds killed the mice" vs "Birds murdered the mice"

Question

"birds killed the mice" vs "Birds murdered the mice"

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they convey different levels of intensity. 'Birds killed the mice' is a neutral statement indicating the action of causing death, while 'birds murdered the mice' implies a deliberate and intentional act of killing. The choice between the two depends on the desired tone and emphasis in the context.

Last Updated: April 04, 2024

This phrase is a straightforward way to convey that birds were responsible for the death of the mice.

Examples:

Birds killed the mice by pecking at them.
The farmer found evidence that birds killed the mice in the barn.
In the ecosystem, birds play a role in controlling the mouse population by killing them.
The ornithologist observed how birds killed the mice for food.
The study showed that certain bird species killed the mice to protect their nests.

Alternatives:

Birds caused the death of the mice.
Birds were responsible for the mice's demise.
Birds eliminated the mice.
Birds exterminated the mice.
Birds eradicated the mice.

This phrase is suitable when emphasizing a deliberate and intentional act of killing by the birds, adding a dramatic or figurative element to the description.

Examples:

In the mystery novel, the author wrote about how birds murdered the mice in the eerie forest.
The documentary explored the theory that birds murdered the mice as part of a natural selection process.
The horror movie depicted a scene where birds mysteriously murdered the mice in the abandoned house.
The folklore tale told of a curse where birds were said to have murdered the mice in revenge.
The artist's painting depicted a surreal scene of birds appearing to murder the mice in a symbolic representation.

Alternatives:

Birds intentionally killed the mice.
Birds maliciously caused the death of the mice.
Birds committed murder on the mice.
Birds executed the mice.
Birds slaughtered the mice.

Answer 1

birds killed the mice

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe the action of birds causing the death of mice.

Answer 2

Birds murdered the mice

This phrase is correct but less commonly used. It conveys a stronger sense of intention and malice in the action of birds causing the death of mice.