a difficult existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult existence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a life that is challenging or filled with hardships. Example: "After losing his job and facing numerous personal challenges, he found himself leading a difficult existence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was her ticket out of a difficult existence, I thought.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The article falters when it attempts to paint the single life as a difficult, unmanageable existence, where one is forced to live in filth and eat frozen dinners because there's no one around to help share household tasks.

Huffington Post

For some, it takes a staggering blow to annul hope, for others, just a crosscurrent in an already difficult existence.

The New York Times

In Warsaw, a Western Illinois town opposite the confluence of the Mississippi and Des Moines rivers, the Hay family lived a difficult pioneer existence.

Wikipedia

The attack underlines the difficult existence of millions of poor Indians who make a living by scavenging in forests and rivers, often at risk from wild predators.

The Guardian

Yet amid the good cheer are signs of the difficult existence of this company, the Kosovo National Ballet.

Huffington Post

In his deposition, 13-year-old Birdie Africa recounts the hidden desires of the MOVE children to escape what was clearly a difficult and confusing existence, but also remembers with great confidence that all the children were loved and cherished.

Huffington Post

"I find it to be a difficult and rather lonely existence," Mr. Bourne said, recalling his experiences in "The Dish," which he did in New York in 1994.

The New York Times

These fossils therefore reinforce the image of the Neanderthals as having led a difficult, dangerous, and stressful existence yet having had the social networks to ensure the survival of the injured and infirm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since sources are typically very far from Earth, the theory predicts that the amplitude of gravitational waves reaching our planet is extremely small and thus, finding experimental evidence of their existence is a difficult task.

EPJ Quantum Technology

How did Ms. Harris come up with such a location -- a place whose very existence would make a difficult answer in Trivial Pursuit -- having never been there?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a difficult existence" to evoke empathy or highlight the resilience of individuals facing adversity. It is particularly effective in narrative writing or when describing historical or social conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult existence" in overly casual or lighthearted contexts. The phrase carries a certain weight and formality that may feel out of place if the situation doesn't warrant it. Opt for a simpler alternative like "a tough time" or "a hard life" in less serious settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult existence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a state of being characterized by hardship and challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a difficult existence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe a life characterized by hardship and challenges. According to Ludwig, this phrase is found across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic publications, though it tends to be more formal than casual. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely warrant its weight, and consider simpler alternatives like "a hard life" or "a challenging life" in less serious contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging life

Replaces "difficult existence" with synonyms emphasizing the presence of challenges.

a hard life

Substitutes "difficult existence" with a simpler, more direct expression.

a tough life

Similar to "a hard life", but with a slightly different connotation of resilience needed.

a life of hardship

Emphasizes the presence of suffering and adversity.

a life fraught with difficulties

A more formal way of expressing that someone's life is filled with challenges.

a struggle for survival

Focuses specifically on the effort required to stay alive or maintain a basic standard of living.

a trial-filled existence

Highlights the presence of constant trials and tribulations.

a precarious existence

Highlights the instability and uncertainty of someone's living conditions.

an uphill battle

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey the constant struggle against difficulties.

a thorny path

Uses a metaphor to describe a life filled with obstacles and troubles.

FAQs

How can I use "a difficult existence" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult existence" to describe the life of someone facing significant challenges, such as poverty or hardship. For example: "The refugees led "a difficult existence" in the overcrowded camp."

What are some alternatives to "a difficult existence"?

Alternatives include "a challenging life", "a hard life", or "a life of hardship". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a difficult existence"?

While grammatically correct, "a difficult existence" might sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversations. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. Simpler alternatives might be more suitable in informal settings.

What makes "a difficult existence" different from "a simple existence"?

"A difficult existence" emphasizes the struggles and hardships someone faces, while "a simple existence" suggests a life free from complications and material possessions. They are contrasting descriptions of life circumstances.