lead to death vs lead to the death

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Lead to death' is more commonly used in general statements, while 'lead to the death' is used when referring to a specific death or deaths. The choice between the two depends on the level of specificity required in the sentence.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 1337 views

lead to death

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used in general statements to indicate a result or consequence that ends in death.

Examples:

Smoking can lead to death.
Neglecting safety measures can lead to death.
Ignoring warning signs may lead to death.

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These cardiovascular events can be life-threatening and may lead to death.
Untreated, brucellosis can lead to death.
We must know that sin can be classifies into two categories: "sin which does not lead to death" and "sin leading to death" (1 John 5:16).
Those are the "sin that does not lead to death," and the Lord has already blotted out all those sins.
In its most severe form a sudden onset of acute watery diarrhoea can lead to death by severe dehydration and kidney failure.
YOU SHOULD DISCONTINUE TAKING VIRAMUNE AND YOU MUST CONTACT your doctor IMMEDIATELY as such reactions can be potentially life-threatening or lead to death.
Violence can only lead to death, because it's the way of hatred, fear and revenge.
In a small percentage of cancer patients participating in certain Zevalin studies, other types of cancer have been reported that relate to the blood: myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), which can even lead to death.
Perhaps this will lead to death.
These operations sometimes result in haemorrhage shock and can even lead to death.
The path that you have set him on can only lead to death.
The symptoms, which can remain latent for years, are a cough and pulmonary emphysema and almost invariably lead to death.
Depending on how they are used during the slaughtering or killing process, some stunning methods can lead to death while avoiding pain and minimising distress or suffering for the animals.
Other stunning methods may not lead to death and the animals may recover their consciousness or sensibility during subsequent painful procedures.
I try to think of how something as benign and innocuous as a picture of a cat could lead to death, and what to do to prevent that.
Severe cases, affecting the kidneys or the lungs, may occur and lead to death.
Rare diseases, which individually affect a very small number of people and the majority of which are genetic diseases, can lead to death or chronic disability.
It is little wonder that, before departing from Libya, the immigrants are informed that their journey will take them to either Italy or Malta or lead to death by drowning.
Devices intended to monitor one or more clinical parameters of a patient must be equipped with appropriate alarm systems to alert the user of situations which could lead to death or severe deterioration of the patient's state of health.
Exsanguination lead to death.

Alternatives:

result in death
cause death
result in someone's death
end in death
result in a fatal outcome

lead to the death

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when referring to a specific death or deaths, adding a level of specificity to the statement.