a settled existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a settled existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a stable and secure way of living, often implying a sense of peace or contentment. Example: "After years of traveling, she finally found a settled existence in a small town where she felt at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Notice that almost nothing on view bespeaks a settled existence or the character of a particular location.

The New Yorker

THE shift from the nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a settled existence based on agriculture was mankind's first step on the path towards the modern world.

The Economist

Though I was irked at times by the dearth of concrete information, there is no doubt Gill paints a compelling picture of the way a settled existence can be blown apart.

The Guardian

When he speaks of his coming together with Lila, which he regards as the most glorious event of his life, what appears to please him most is the idea that he gave her a settled existence, a settled mind.

The New Yorker

Farming was the antithesis to the nomadic way of life, bringing with it a domesticated landscape, a settled existence, ownership, and laws to protect it.Something similar is now happening to the ocean.

The Economist

In the character of Albert Johansson — a circus owner caught between his longing for a settled existence with the wife he has abandoned and his vagabond life with a circus bareback rider — Bergman created "a walking chaos of conflicting emotions" who was a simulacrum of his own erotic confusions.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This depiction of women in thrall to radical rhetoric who, as a result, put Sid's settled existence and artistic pursuits, his reputation, and even his freedom at risk is not hard to read as a veiled response to the sexual-abuse allegations that have lately come back to haunt him.

The New Yorker

The one whom Kinney mainly latches on to is, like many of his counterparts in this strange, intense, rather stressed-out sub-culture, a troubled soul lacking any sort of settled existence.

Independent

We have created jobs that are inhuman, and incompatible with any normal settled existence.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the 1930s Russian influence began to be felt with the introduction of alcohol, the encouragement of settled existence, and the emphasis on literacy (in Russian).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meanwhile, Nathalie's settled existence is wrenched toward chaos by the confused terror of her elderly mother, Yvette Édith Scobb), a former model, now working occasionally as a movie extra, who is in physical, mental, and emotional decline.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a settled existence" when you want to convey a sense of stability, permanence, and routine in someone's life. This phrase is particularly effective when contrasting it with a more transient or chaotic lifestyle.

Common error

Avoid using "a settled existence" if you want to highlight someone is bored or stuck. While the phrase implies stability, it can also unintentionally suggest a lack of growth or excitement. Ensure the context makes it clear that the "settled" aspect is positive, not a description of being unfulfilled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a settled existence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object or complement within a sentence. It often describes a state of being or a lifestyle, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples, indicating stability and routine. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a settled existence" refers to a lifestyle characterized by stability, routine, and permanence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, appearing frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While it often conveys a sense of peace and security, it's important to consider that it can also imply a lack of adventure or growth, depending on the context. Related phrases include "a stable life" and "an established life", each with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with your intended meaning, whether you aim to praise the tranquility of a stable life or critique its potential monotony.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a life of stability

Directly refers to the condition of being stable and not subject to significant changes.

a stable lifestyle

Focuses on the consistent and unchanging aspects of life.

an established life

Suggests a life that is well-founded and secure.

a routine life

Emphasizes the predictable and habitual nature of daily activities.

a structured existence

Highlights the organized and planned nature of the life.

a permanent home

Highlights the aspect of having a fixed and unchanging place of residence.

a predictable life

Focuses on the lack of surprises and the expected nature of daily events.

a fixed abode

Stresses the concept of having a permanent dwelling.

a domesticated lifestyle

Implies a life centered around home and family, often in contrast to a more adventurous or nomadic existence.

a life rooted in tradition

Emphasizes the adherence to customs and long-standing practices.

FAQs

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

You can use "a settled existence" to describe a life that is stable and predictable. For example, "After years of traveling, she craved "a settled existence" in a quiet town".

What are some alternatives to "a settled existence"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a stable life", "a routine life", or "an established life", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to have "a settled existence"?

Having "a settled existence" generally means living a life that is stable, predictable, and rooted in a particular place or routine. It often implies a sense of peace and security.

Is "a settled existence" always a positive thing?

While "a settled existence" often implies stability and contentment, it can also, in certain contexts, suggest a lack of adventure or personal growth. It depends on the individual's preferences and values.