a life's work

USAGE SUMMARY

"a life's work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person's long-term ambition, goal, project or job. For example: His interest in astronomy has led him to dedicate most of his life's work to studying the stars.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Books

Lifestyle

Arts

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I had a version of this ungenerous feeling about Rachel Cusk's A Life's Work: On Becoming a Mother.

The Guardian - Books

For others it's a life's work.

The New York Times

I have many happy memories over what's been a life's work".

BBC

When I say it's the result of a life's work, I mean it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To me, it's a commitment to continue a life's work".

The New York Times

A life's work started to take shape.

The New Yorker

But insurance doesn't cover a life's work.

The New York Times

It has been a life's work.

The Guardian - Business

"This is a life's work, not a business," he said.

The New York Times

A LIFE'S WORK: On Becoming a Mother, by Rachel Cusk.

The New York Times - Books

Of course it is bleak, bleaker than A Life's Work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a life's work" when you want to emphasize the extensive time, effort, and dedication someone has invested in a particular project or pursuit. It often implies a sense of culmination or significant achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "a life's work" to describe short-term projects or tasks that don't require significant long-term dedication. Ensure the described activity truly reflects a sustained and meaningful commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a life's work" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes something that someone has dedicated a large portion of their life to accomplishing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Books

5%

Less common in

Lifestyle

3%

Arts

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a life's work" is a common noun phrase used to describe a project, goal, or career to which someone has dedicated a significant portion of their life. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and wide usability. The phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though it appears more frequently in news, encyclopedia, and book-related content. Related phrases include "a lifetime endeavor" and "a magnum opus". When using this phrase, ensure that the described activity reflects a sustained and meaningful commitment. "A life's work" emphasizes dedication, time, and effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lifetime endeavor

Focuses on the duration of the endeavor, emphasizing the 'lifetime' aspect more directly.

a magnum opus

Refers specifically to the greatest or most important work of an artist or writer, often considered the culmination of their career.

a crowning achievement

Highlights the sense of culmination and success associated with completing a major undertaking.

a life's mission

Emphasizes the purpose and dedication behind the work, suggesting a strong sense of personal calling.

a career-defining project

Focuses on the impact of the work on one's professional trajectory.

a significant undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and importance of the project, without necessarily implying a lifelong commitment.

a labor of love

Highlights the passion and dedication invested in the work, often implying that it was done for personal fulfillment rather than monetary gain.

a lifelong pursuit

Similar to 'a lifetime endeavor' but emphasizes the continuous and ongoing nature of the work.

a dedicated service

Focuses on the aspect of serving others or a cause, suggesting a selfless commitment.

a sustained effort

Highlights the continuous and prolonged nature of the effort, but may not necessarily imply a personal passion or calling.

FAQs

How can I use "a life's work" in a sentence?

You can use "a life's work" to describe a project, goal, or career that someone has dedicated a significant portion of their life to. For instance, "The museum is showcasing the artist's "a life's work" in a retrospective exhibition".

What are some synonyms for "a life's work"?

Similar phrases include "a lifetime endeavor", "a magnum opus", or "a life's mission". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a life's work" in formal writing?

Yes, "a life's work" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a well-understood and widely accepted phrase that conveys a strong sense of dedication and accomplishment.

What distinguishes "a life's work" from a regular job or hobby?

"A life's work" implies a deep personal investment and a sustained commitment over many years, often representing a significant part of someone's identity and purpose, unlike a job or hobby that may be pursued more casually or for shorter durations.