otherwise he could have died vs otherwise he would have died

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Otherwise he could have died' implies a possibility that he could have died, while 'Otherwise he would have died' suggests a more certain outcome. The choice between 'could have' and 'would have' depends on the level of certainty or possibility you want to convey.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 2155 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"otherwise he could have died "

This phrase is used to express a possibility that someone could have died if a certain condition had not been met.

Examples:

He was lucky to get medical help in time; otherwise he could have died.
If he hadn't worn a helmet, otherwise he could have died in the accident.

Show examples from the web [+]

Apr 2, 2015 ... ... body hit the ground outside. 'I was completely shocked. It's lucky he was on the first floor and not a higher one otherwise he could have died.' ...
Apr 2, 2015 ... "But it's lucky he was on the first floor and not a higher one otherwise he could have died." A hotel spokesman said: "The unfortunate incident ...
Apr 6, 2015 ... It's lucky he was on the first floor and not a higher one otherwise he could have died. The kid was lying on the floor and was clearly in a lot of ...
Apr 3, 2015 ... "But it's lucky he was on the first floor and not a higher one otherwise he could have died." A hotel spokesman added: "The unfortunate incident ...

Alternatives:

otherwise he might have died
otherwise he may have died
otherwise he would have been at risk of dying
otherwise he was in danger of dying
otherwise he was close to death

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"otherwise he would have died "

This phrase is used to indicate a more certain outcome that someone would have died if a particular situation had not been different.

Examples:

If he hadn't received immediate medical attention, otherwise he would have died.
The rescue team arrived just in time; otherwise he would have died in the fire.

Show examples from the web [+]

Otherwise he would have died of starvation before making his escape. Theseus now eloped with Ariadne, pausing only long enough to put holes in the bottom of ...
Mar 2, 2015 ... It happened at about 9,000 feet, and his instructor managed to get to him around 4,000 feet and pull his chute. Otherwise he would have died.
Mar 28, 1991 ... Mayberry had a high tolerance for cocaine, Smith says, otherwise he would have died long before he showed the symptoms of "cocaine ...
A man and a woman discuss how the man had performed surgery on another man otherwise he would have died within two days. ▻ We see a woman visiting a ...

Alternatives:

otherwise he was destined to die
otherwise he was fated to die
otherwise he was sure to die
otherwise he was bound to die
otherwise he was going to die

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otherwise he could have died vs otherwise he would have died