[General] Want smb dead/alive

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Marina Gaidar

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Is it ok to say like that "They want him dead" or "They want him alive"?
 

5jj

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Yes - in the appropriate contexts.
 

Barb_D

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If I were writing a novel in which these things were said, my meaning for "They want him dead" means they want someone to kill him. His death is desired, not "him" in a dead state. That is, they don't have a use for his dead body -- just the knowledge that he's dead.

However, "They want him alive" would mean they want him in person, obviously alive.
 

SoothingDave

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If someone is wanted "dead or alive" that means they are such a notorious criminal that the use of lethal force in apprehending them is approved.
 
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