chunk of life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chunk of life" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific segment or portion of someone's life, often highlighting a particular experience or moment. Example: "That summer spent traveling through Europe was a real chunk of life that I will always cherish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It changes your mindset when a single game's development represents a significant chunk of life.

The Guardian - Tech

It's like pressing the delete key on a whole chunk of life.

The Guardian

This is a long chunk of life, it is a complete life of some people.

The Guardian - Music

They are instead based on the assumption that no story is ever finished — and present themselves as a chunk of life, not as complete and rounded histories.

The New York Times - Books

An event like that could result in the eradication of a large chunk of life on Earth and would surely galvanise the planet, argued Emmott.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a tendency, I think, especially if you've been around for a long time, to almost exaggerate, you add a little bit yourself to almost any chunk of life you care to mention, and I find myself doing that.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Image: Tumblr/meaty-chunks-of-life.

Huffington Post

I can ask a pub if there's any space without having to waste chunks of my life filling in a contact request on their website.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if you wait for the exciting bits and ignore the rest, you lose out on massive chunks of life.

The Guardian - Arts

She shows that in large chunks of life, the simplistic search for the perfect choice is not only impractical, but leads to misery.Marriage is one example.

The Economist

A CYNIC might dismiss the "quantified self" movement, whose adherents use an array of gizmos to record all aspects of their physical existence, as gimmicky navel-gazing by geeky workout nuts, eager to gamify ever bigger chunks of life.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chunk of life" when you want to emphasize that a particular period had a significant impact or was a distinct phase. It adds a sense of weight and importance to the time period being discussed.

Common error

While "chunk of life" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in overly emotional or sentimental writing, as it can sometimes sound cliché. Choose more specific language to convey the emotional depth if needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chunk of life" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It represents a segment or portion of an individual's existence, as evidenced by the examples in Ludwig. These examples showcase its role in describing meaningful periods or experiences within one's life.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chunk of life" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant period or portion of one's existence. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's often employed to emphasize the importance or impact of a particular time. It maintains a neutral register, commonly appearing in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct and acceptable, as verified by Ludwig, consider using more specific language in overly emotional settings to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives like "period of life" or "chapter of life" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chapter of life

Implies a narrative structure, suggesting a story-like segment.

segment of life

Highlights a distinct and defined portion of one's existence.

phase of life

Emphasizes a developmental stage or period with distinct characteristics.

stretch of life

Emphasizes the continuous duration of a period in one's life.

stage of life

Highlights progression and development through different phases.

period of life

Focuses on duration rather than a specific experience.

span of life

Refers to the duration or length of a particular period.

portion of life

Similar to "part of life", but suggests a more significant amount.

part of life

A more general term that simply indicates a portion of one's existence.

piece of life

Indicates a fragment or smaller, less defined part of someone's experiences.

FAQs

What does "chunk of life" mean?

The phrase "chunk of life" refers to a significant period or portion of someone's experiences, often implying that it was a memorable or formative time.

How can I use "chunk of life" in a sentence?

You can use "chunk of life" to describe a specific period, such as "That summer spent traveling was a real "chunk of life" I'll never forget".

What are some alternatives to "chunk of life"?

Some alternatives include "period of life", "phase of life", or "chapter of life" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "chunk of life" formal or informal?

The phrase "chunk of life" is generally considered informal but is acceptable in many contexts, particularly when referring to personal experiences. More formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.