a lifetime contract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lifetime contract" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where an agreement or commitment is intended to last for the duration of a person's life or the life of a project. Example: "The athlete signed a lifetime contract with the team, ensuring his place in their history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is, in essence, a lifetime contract.

The New York Times - Sports

He's talked about a lifetime contract.

The New York Times - Magazine

The team's owner, Bud Adams, offers a "lifetime" contract.

The New York Times

Interdisciplinary Connections: Civics –What position requires a lifetime contract?

The New York Times

I cannot send him to retirement, because according to Russian legislation, it's a lifetime contract.

The New York Times - Arts

He had a lifetime contract with both Chanel and Fendi, and he exercised it.

The New York Times

Instead, the owner Dan Snyder signed Green to what he called a "lifetime contract".

The New York Times - Sports

According to one official statement, the dancer was protected by a "lifetime contract.

The Guardian

Sheffield has said he felt disrespected when the Dodgers did not give him a lifetime contract.

The New York Times - Sports

He has a lifetime contract with the Giants but he doesn't travel as much as he used to.

The New York Times

Now they must angle for full professorship -- effectively a lifetime contract and $20,000 more a year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lifetime contract" when you wish to emphasize a commitment that extends for the duration of someone's career or life, rather than a fixed term.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a lifetime contract" is truly unbreakable. In many cases, such contracts can be terminated due to performance issues, financial constraints, or other unforeseen circumstances. Always clarify the specific terms and conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lifetime contract" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "signed a lifetime contract") or as a subject complement. It denotes an agreement or commitment intended to last for the duration of someone's life or career, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Sports

23%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lifetime contract" is a common noun phrase that signifies a long-term agreement intended to last for someone's entire career or life. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business. While it conveys a sense of security and commitment, it's crucial to understand the specific terms and conditions, as such contracts may not always be unbreakable. Alternatives like "permanent position" or "contract for perpetuity" can be used depending on the context and desired emphasis. Remember to clarify the scope of the agreement to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Contract for perpetuity

A more formal and legalistic way of saying a contract that lasts forever.

Forever agreement

Similar meaning, but not as common.

Job for life

An informal way of describing a job that is expected to last until retirement.

Indefinite contract

Similar to a lifetime contract, but may have clauses for termination under specific circumstances.

Permanent position

Implies a job that is not temporary, but doesn't necessarily guarantee employment for life.

Tenured position

Specifically refers to a permanent academic appointment, offering job security.

Unbreakable contract

Emphasizes the difficulty or impossibility of terminating the agreement.

Long-term agreement

A general term for an agreement that lasts for many years, without necessarily being for life.

Ironclad agreement

Focuses on the strength and enforceability of the agreement.

Guaranteed employment

Focuses on the assurance of continued work, but may not specify the duration.

FAQs

How is "a lifetime contract" different from a standard employment contract?

A standard employment contract typically has a defined term (e.g., one year, five years), whereas "a lifetime contract" implies employment for the duration of an individual's career or life, though it may still be subject to certain conditions or performance standards.

What are some alternatives to saying "a lifetime contract"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "permanent position", "job for life", or "contract for perpetuity".

Is "a lifetime contract" legally binding?

While the term suggests a long-term commitment, the legal enforceability of "a lifetime contract" depends on the specific terms outlined in the agreement and applicable laws. Consult with a legal professional to ensure its validity.

In what professions or industries are "lifetime contracts" most common?

"Lifetime contracts" are relatively rare but can be found in sports, entertainment, and academia (e.g., tenured positions). They're also sometimes used informally to describe very long-term agreements in other fields.