What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fatal
Example
The car crash was fatal, and the driver did not survive. [fatal: adjective]
Example
The patient's condition was critical, and the doctor warned that it could be fatal. [fatal: adjective]
Example
The company's financial mismanagement proved fatal, and it went bankrupt. [fatal: adjective]
mortal
Example
All mortal beings must eventually die. [mortal: noun]
Example
The soldier suffered a mortal wound but managed to survive. [mortal: adjective]
Example
We are all mortal and have limited time on this earth. [mortal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fatal is more commonly used than mortal in everyday language, especially in news reports, medical contexts, and legal documents. Mortal is less common but still widely used in literature, philosophy, and religious texts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fatal and mortal?
Fatal is more formal than mortal and is often used in technical or legal contexts. Mortal is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
