a divided existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a divided existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a life that is split between different aspects, identities, or experiences, often implying a sense of conflict or duality. Example: "Living in two different cultures has led to a divided existence for her, making it difficult to fully embrace either identity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They lead a divided existence.

The New York Times

Do relations lead a divided existence, parcelled out among their relata?

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Josette Clotis, Malraux's pretty paramour — an aspiring writer and a Gallimard minion — also turned up, and he shuttled between a wife and a mistress who were the embodiments of his divided existence: one a pasionaria, the other a bourgeoise.

The New Yorker

When Mr. Mac's bewildered Shen Te ultimately exposes the truth about her divided existence to the gods, she says, "Your original order, to be good while yet surviving, split me like lightning into two people".

The New York Times

It might be easy to imagine that Beijing's tens of thousands of residents from Taiwan live a bizarre existence, members of a divided family in the heart of the enemy camp.

The New York Times

The sense of a divided city was only magnified by those who tried to deny its existence.

The New York Times - Arts

Abstract relations, for instance, divided into existence; relation; quantity; etc – and existence divided into existence; non-existence; substantiality; insubstantiality; intrinsicality; extrinsicality, and so on.

The Guardian - Books

Cai, in his study, divided mental existence into two types: mental existence without material support (ME1) and with physic support (ME2).

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Living slothfully off the royalties from a Christmas novelty song his father wrote many years ago, Will divides his existence into half-hour increments and vows never to mean anything to anyone.

The New York Times

Loescher divides his existence into his "first life" and his "second life".

Huffington Post

FOR the past year, I have led a double existence, dividing my time between military reporting assignments in Iraq and tracking the campaign debate in the United States.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a divided existence", ensure the context clearly defines the nature of the division. Specify what aspects are divided and the consequences of this division for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a divided existence" without providing specifics. Simply stating someone leads "a divided existence" lacks depth. Instead, elaborate on the conflicting elements that create this division.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a divided existence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it describes the state of living a life that is split or characterized by distinct, often conflicting, aspects. It provides a label for a complex situation or experience.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a divided existence" is a noun phrase used to describe a life characterized by separation, conflict, or duality. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Though not a frequently used phrase, its presence in reliable sources such as The New York Times and academic publications suggests its appropriateness in formal contexts, particularly when analyzing complex personal or societal situations. When using "a divided existence", ensure that you provide specific details about the nature of the division to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. Related phrases include "a dual existence" and "a bifurcated life", each offering slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a life of duality

General term for living with two distinct identities or experiences.

a dual existence

Highlights the presence of two simultaneous and often contrasting realities.

a life torn between two worlds

Highlights the conflict and difficulty of navigating two different environments.

a two-sided existence

Implies having two distinct personas or lives.

a bifurcated life

Emphasizes the split into two distinct paths or aspects.

a life of contradictions

Highlights the presence of opposing elements or beliefs within a person's life.

a compartmentalized life

Focuses on keeping different aspects of life separate and distinct.

a life of inner conflict

Focuses on the internal struggle and discord within a person.

a fractured identity

Emphasizes the broken or fragmented nature of one's sense of self.

a split personality

Suggests a more severe form of internal division, often associated with mental health conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a divided existence" to describe someone's life split between different cultures, identities, or responsibilities. For example, "Living in two countries can lead to "a divided existence"."

What's a less formal alternative to "a divided existence"?

Less formal alternatives include "a split life" or "a double life", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. "A split life" suggests a separation between different aspects, while a "double life" implies a more secretive or deceptive division.

Is "a divided existence" always negative?

Not necessarily. While it often implies conflict or difficulty, "a divided existence" can also describe a rich and complex life where someone navigates multiple roles or identities. The connotation depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "a divided existence" and "a dual existence"?

"A divided existence" emphasizes the separation and potential conflict between different aspects of life, while "a dual existence" simply highlights the presence of two distinct realities or identities, without necessarily implying conflict.