Fill in the blank: He died ___ cholera.

In English grammar, the preposition following the verb "die" changes depending on the cause or circumstances of death. Using the correct one is essential for competitive exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and SSC.

1. Die + Of (Direct Disease or Internal Cause)

We use the preposition of when the death is caused by a specific disease, illness, or a direct biological cause (like hunger or thirst).

• 
  

  Rule: Die + of + [Disease/Hunger/Thirst/Grief]

  
  


• 
  

  Correct Sentence: He died of cholera.

  
  


• 
  

  Other Examples: * She died of pneumonia.

  
  
  
  
  • 
    

    The old man died of cancer.

    
    
  
  
  • 
    

    Many people died of starvation during the famine.

    
    
  
  
  
  

2. Die + From (External Cause or Result)

We use from when death is the result of an external factor, an indirect cause, or an overindulgence.

• 
  

  Rule: Die + from + [Injury/Wound/Overeating/Exhaustion]

  
  


• 
  

  Examples: * He died from a head injury.

  
  
  
  
  • 
    

    The soldier died from his wounds.

    
    
  
  
  • 
    

    He died from over-drinking.

    
    
  
  
  
  

3. Die + In (Accidents or Battles)

When death occurs during an event or while the person is in a specific state, we use in.

• 
  

  Rule: Die + in + [Accident/War/Harness/Sleep]

  
  


• 
  

  Examples: * They died in a plane crash.

  
  
  
  
  • 
    

    He died in his sleep.

    
    
  
  
  • 
    

    The hero died in the line of duty.

    
    
  
  
  
  

4. Die + By (Violence or Choice)

By is used when death is caused by a specific instrument of violence or an intentional act.

• 
  

  Rule: Die + by + [Weapon/Suicide/Violence]

  
  


• 
  

  Examples: * He died by the sword.

  
  
  
  
  • 
    

    The prisoner died by hanging.