brief existence

USAGE SUMMARY

"brief existence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that exists for a short period of time. For example, "The butterfly lived a brief existence before it died."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only the scars of their brief existence remain.

The Guardian - Opinion

What is the point of our brief existence?

The Guardian - Books

It provides otherwise unimaginable insights that illuminate our brief existence here on this lonely planet.

The Guardian

Veterans of their brief existence still dominate the death-penalty field.

The New Yorker

If they win the play-offs, this will be their sixth promotion in their brief existence.

The Guardian - Sport

Nature's vicissitudes make pleasure brief; Existence is short for each brilliant leaf.

The New York Times

Would this make the thrill of their brief existence less enthralling?

The New Yorker

On one morning of its brief existence an elderly woman entered the project's main office.

The Economist

Nevertheless, it proved within its brief existence the need for a professional women's organization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Devil Rays' dreadful start to their fifth season continues a pattern they have followed through their brief existence.

The New York Times - Sports

If its brief existence helps, directly or indirectly, to save lives, permission to create it should be given.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a historical period or organization, use "brief existence" to emphasize its short duration and potentially impactful but limited influence. This is especially effective when contrasted with its goals or the impact it achieved despite its short lifespan.

Common error

Avoid using "brief existence" when describing broad philosophical concepts of life. It's more suitable for specific entities or periods, not general reflections on mortality. Instead, consider phrases like "human experience" or "mortal coil" for such reflections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief existence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "brief" modifies the noun "existence". As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly describes a state of being that is of short duration. The numerous examples illustrate its proper usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief existence" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for describing something that lasts a short time, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral register and frequent occurrence in reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian make it suitable for diverse writing contexts. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it's commonly employed in news, encyclopedias, and general informational contexts. When using this phrase, consider the nuanced alternatives such as "short life" or "fleeting existence" to convey the specific meaning you intend. Remember to use it for entities or periods, not general philosophical reflections. To prevent some typical usage errors, Ludwig reminds us that it's essential to consider the specific context to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short life

Focuses on the lifespan rather than the state of being.

fleeting existence

Emphasizes the ephemeral and transient nature of being.

transient life

Highlights the temporary and passing quality of the existence.

short-lived existence

Directly indicates the limited duration of being.

temporary being

Stresses the non-permanent condition of existence.

ephemeral life

Underscores the quickly fading and vanishing aspect of being.

momentary existence

Conveys the idea of an existence lasting only a brief moment.

finite existence

Highlights the limited and bounded nature of being.

limited lifespan

Shifts the focus to the duration of life, suggesting a boundary.

passing phase

Implies that the existence is a stage or period that will soon end.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief existence" to describe something that existed for only a short time. For example, "The experimental school had a "brief existence", closing after only two years due to funding issues."

What are some alternatives to "brief existence"?

Some alternatives include "short life", "fleeting existence", or "short-lived existence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "brief existence" or "short existence"?

"Brief existence" and "short existence" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Brief" can sometimes imply a more concise or impactful brevity, but the difference is usually subtle.

What kind of things is it appropriate to describe as having a "brief existence"?

You can describe various entities as having a "brief existence", such as political movements, historical periods, companies, relationships, or even physical phenomena that are short-lived.