a comfortable existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a comfortable existence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a way of living that is pleasant, easy, and free from hardship. Example: "After years of hard work, she finally achieved a comfortable existence, allowing her to enjoy life without financial stress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Something like "Hello Goodbye," which stars Gérard Depardieu and Fanny Ardant as a long-married couple who shock friends and family by chucking a comfortable existence in Paris to start over — not so comfortably — in Israel, is more appropriate.

The New York Times

"We couldn't lead a comfortable existence".

The New York Times

To become a chemist is to choose a comfortable existence.

The Guardian - Opinion

After joining the church, though, he seemed to settle into a comfortable existence as a parish priest in Toluca, an industrial city outside the capital.

The New York Times

Wollstonecraft was born into a large family in 1759, and the household had a comfortable existence until her father squandered the family's money in various failed projects.

Independent

blog a list of fifty machines that, in his view, could cheaply provide everything that a small community needed to sustain a comfortable existence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

She says that if dinosaurs were alive today, up to 100 huge individuals could enjoy a fairly comfortable existence in a space the size of New York's Central Park, which contains 840 acres in about 1.32 square miles.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The castle's inhabitants were supported by Catholic alms and lived a relatively comfortable existence; Garnet was complimentary about Wisbech, calling it a "college of venerable confessors".

Wikipedia

And, of course, I did enjoy a very comfortable existence".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Out of the limelight, Freddy's has been settling into a quieter, comfortable existence on Fifth Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets.

The New York Times

Kemal and Mohammed have never met, but until recently their lives were typical of a peaceful, comfortable existence in middle-class Eritrea.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider what specific aspects of comfort are most relevant to the context. Is it financial security, ease of living, or something else?

Common error

Avoid using "a comfortable existence" when describing a life that is simply adequate. The phrase implies a certain level of ease and privilege, not just basic survival.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comfortable existence" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a state of living characterized by ease, security, and a general lack of hardship. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66.67%

Science

11.11%

Wiki

6.67%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6.67%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a comfortable existence" effectively describes a life characterized by ease, security, and a lack of significant hardship. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and widely used. Analysis of various sources indicates that it is most frequently used in news and media contexts and is acceptable in neutral registers. When using this phrase, be mindful of the specific aspects of comfort you wish to emphasize, and avoid overstating the level of ease implied. Consider alternatives like "a pleasant life" or "an easy life" for simpler expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comfortable lifestyle

Replaces the noun "existence" with "lifestyle", focusing on the way someone lives.

a life of comfort and security

Expands the phrase to explicitly mention both comfort and security.

a secure existence

Emphasizes the aspect of safety and stability in one's life.

an easy life

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the lack of difficulty or hardship.

a life of ease

Reorders the words and uses "ease" to emphasize the absence of stress or worry.

a life free from hardship

Emphasizes the absence of difficulties and struggles.

a pleasant life

Focuses on the agreeable and enjoyable aspects of life.

a financially stable life

Specifically highlights financial stability as a key component of a comfortable existence.

a well-to-do life

Highlights financial prosperity and affluence.

a relaxed way of life

Shifts the focus to the relaxed and unhurried nature of the existence.

FAQs

How can I describe "a comfortable existence" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases like "an easy life", "a pleasant life", or "a relaxed life" to convey the same idea with simpler vocabulary.

What does it mean to lead "a comfortable existence"?

To lead "a comfortable existence" implies having a life where basic needs are easily met, and there is a sense of ease and security, free from significant hardship or financial worry.

Is "a comfortable existence" always related to wealth?

While wealth can contribute to "a comfortable existence", it's not always the sole factor. The phrase can also refer to a life with strong social connections, good health, and a sense of purpose, even without excessive wealth.

What are some common misconceptions about "a comfortable existence"?

A common misconception is that "a comfortable existence" guarantees happiness. While it can reduce stress and improve quality of life, true happiness depends on various other factors like relationships, personal fulfillment, and mental well-being.