using ser or estar with the verb morir

Question

I read in a spanish textbook recently,
Jorge Washington esta muerto.

why is the verb estar used? I thought estar was used for temporary conditions.

why isn't it "es muerto" ?

thank you! Carol

Answer 1

The DONOT HELPT Rule, provided by msjrocks is a good way to remember difference between using SER vs. ESTAR

• DONOT for ser
• D= Description O=Origin N= Nationality O= Occupation T= Time/ Date
• HELPT for estar
• H=Health E=Emotion L=Location P= Present pros. T= Temprorary

Being dead is definitely a state of health, so this example easily fits the rules for ESTAR

Answer 2

I like Clark´s explanation... Another way to think of it is that "ser" is for inherent characteristics. And a person who was at one point alive and now dead was never "inherently" dead.

(Can´t resist a quote about death as a health condition: as Miracle Max says "It just so happens that your friend here is only MOSTLY dead. There's a big difference between mostly dead and all dead.")

Oh! And welcome to the forum!!!

Yay Princess Bride!!!! - Lasairfiona, Jan 18, 2010

and you know that the only reason to live is 'to blithe' - bdclark0423, Jan 18, 2010