a life form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a life form" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to any living organism, whether it be an animal, plant, or microorganism. Example: "Scientists are constantly searching for a life form that can survive in extreme conditions, such as the depths of the ocean or the surface of Mars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

A life form that thrives in the most hostile conditions.

The New York Times

But nobody knows whether such a life form can exist, said Dr. Krauss.

The New York Times - Science

In a single-celled organism, every cell is a life form unto itself.

The Guardian

They are the closest thing in apparel to a life form because they evolve around you".

The New York Times - Magazine

The Aibo, they say, is like a life form, but without the annoying side effects.

The New York Times

So if Walmart is a life form, it is an unclassifiable one.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Electronic artificial life game, electronic game genre in which players nurture or control artificial life (A-life) forms.

Britannica

It describes a life-form rather than a taxonomic group.

Britannica

Despite its ferocity in humans, Ebola is a life-form of mysterious simplicity.

The New Yorker

In this house, pasta has rotted in a pan to become almost a life-form of its own.

The New York Times - Sports

As a life-form, each human is "a distinguishable collection of matter, with – a stable configuration far from thermodynamic equilibrium".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a newly discovered species or potential extraterrestrial existence, use "a life form" to maintain scientific neutrality and avoid anthropocentrism.

Common error

Avoid using "a life form" metaphorically when simpler terms suffice. For instance, instead of saying "the company became a life form of its own", consider using "the company became self-sustaining" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a life form" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to any living organism, and can be used to describe various entities, from microbes to complex creatures, as exemplified in Ludwig's instances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

19%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a life form" is a grammatically sound noun phrase widely used to refer to any living organism. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, reflecting its importance in discussions about biology and existence. When writing, avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts and instead, consider using more precise language. The term's authoritative sources, like The New York Times and The Guardian, contribute to its reliability and broad applicability. Its alternatives such as "a living being" or "an organism", offer similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a form of life

This alternative shifts the emphasis to the overall category or type of existence.

a living being

This alternative focuses on the characteristic of being alive.

an organism

This term provides a more scientific and general substitute.

a living creature

This term emphasizes the animate nature of the entity.

a biological entity

This phrase offers a more formal and technical alternative.

a species

This refers to a specific kind or type of living organism.

a sentient being

This alternative implies consciousness or awareness.

an animate object

This phrase highlights the object's capability of movement and activity.

a being

This is a more general term encompassing existence.

an entity

This is a broad term referring to something that exists.

FAQs

How to use "a life form" in a sentence?

You can use "a life form" to refer to any living entity. For example, "Scientists are studying a new "form of life" discovered in the deep sea".

What can I say instead of "a life form"?

You can use alternatives like "an organism", "a living creature", or "a biological entity" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a life form" or "form of life"?

Both "a life form" and ""form of life"" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A life form" refers to a single instance of a living entity, while ""form of life"" refers to a type or category of living entity.

What's the difference between "a life form" and "a living being"?

"A life form" is a broader term that can refer to any living entity, including plants and microorganisms, while "a living being" often implies a more complex, sentient creature.