dedicate their lives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'dedicate their lives' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a commitment or devotion to something that someone has chosen to prioritize over other aspects of their lives. For example, one might say, "Many scientists dedicate their lives to advancing our understanding of the natural world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Together, they vowed to dedicate their lives to anarchism.

University of California, Berkeley

There is no expectation that trainees will dedicate their lives to baking.

The New York Times

"You meet real people who dedicate their lives to improving life or helping others," he said.

The New York Times

Still they dedicate their lives to learning this instrument," and so on.

The New York Times - Arts

The pair realized that most people were not inclined to dedicate their lives to raising seedlings.

The New York Times

Luckily, there will also always be those who dedicate their lives to protecting places like this.

The Guardian - Travel

General Haig exemplified our finest warrior-diplomat tradition of those who dedicate their lives to public service".

The New York Times

FOR people who dedicate their lives to promoting universal human rights, is religion a friend or a foe?

The Economist

When these crimes are committed against people who dedicate their lives to saving others, the injustice is ever more apparent.

The Guardian - Opinion

The teachers who dedicate their lives to helping children from disadvantaged homes to achieve their potential are my heroes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Both men dedicated their lives to the liberation struggle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dedicate their lives" to convey a profound and long-lasting commitment, typically involving significant personal sacrifice or effort. Reserve its use for scenarios where the dedication is truly substantial and central to the individuals' identities.

Common error

Don't use "dedicate their lives" casually. It implies a very high degree of commitment. Using it for minor or temporary interests weakens its impact and can sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dedicate their lives" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a strong, enduring commitment to a particular cause, activity, or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in conveying significant personal investment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dedicate their lives" is a powerful phrase used to describe a profound and lasting commitment to a cause, profession, or belief. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It’s most frequently found in news and media contexts, implying a significant personal investment. Remember to use it judiciously, reserving it for scenarios where the dedication is truly substantial to avoid sounding hyperbolic. Consider related phrases like "devote themselves fully" or "commit themselves entirely" as alternatives when the situation calls for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devote themselves fully

Emphasizes complete commitment and energy toward a specific purpose.

commit themselves entirely

Highlights a total and unwavering pledge to a particular goal.

dedicate their efforts wholeheartedly

Focuses on the energetic and passionate application of effort.

invest their entire being

Stresses the profound personal investment in a cause.

give their all to

A simpler expression indicating a complete offering of one's resources.

make a lifelong commitment to

Highlights the enduring nature of the dedication.

devote their existence to

Emphasizes that essentially all aspects of one's life are given over to the goal.

center their world around

Expresses how the focus is intensely and almost exclusively on that one pursuit.

make it their life's work

Indicates that the work is one's central purpose and defining activity.

pour their heart and soul into

Suggests a deep emotional investment coupled with physical effort.

FAQs

How can I use "dedicate their lives" in a sentence?

You can use "dedicate their lives" to describe individuals or groups who commit themselves fully to a particular cause, profession, or belief. For example: "Many doctors "dedicate their lives" to healing the sick".

What is a good alternative to "dedicate their lives"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "devote themselves fully", "commit themselves entirely", or "make a lifelong commitment to" to express similar meanings.

Is it appropriate to say someone "dedicated their life" to a hobby?

While technically grammatically correct, using "dedicate their life" or ""dedicate their lives"" for a hobby might sound exaggerated. It's more fitting for significant, impactful pursuits.

What's the difference between ""dedicate their lives"" and "give their lives"?

"Dedicate their lives" implies a long-term commitment and effort, while "give their lives" suggests a sacrifice, often involving death or a major risk. They are not interchangeable.