during its lifetime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during its lifetime" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to the lifespan of something, generally a living thing, like a person or animal. For example, "The giraffe can live over 20 years during its lifetime."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the mass of the resonator changes during its lifetime, it loses time.

MIT Technology Review

The Library Director (Thomas Fleming) oversaw the PIC during its lifetime, though it was physically located in the Medical Center's Black Building.

Columbia University

ARI for an individual is the average number of recruits it produces during its lifetime.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Every organism accumulates pollutants during its lifetime and if it is eaten, the pollutant are transferred to the predator.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was estimated to have flown five million miles during its lifetime, the equivalent of circumnavigating the globe 200 times.

The Guardian

Software changes during its lifetime.

Science of Computer Programming

Therefore, ball lightning can be silent during its lifetime.

Nature

"A cow gives back so much during its lifetime," she said.

The New York Times

Unlike other palm species on Madagascar, the Tahina palm reproduces only once during its lifetime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The performance of the crusher changes during its lifetime due to wear of the crusher liners.

Minerals Engineering

A 2012 study estimated that the Clean Air Act alone has saved $22tn in healthcare costs during its lifetime.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "during its lifetime" to specify changes, events, or characteristics that occur within the total lifespan of an entity, whether it's a product, organism, or organization.

Common error

Avoid using "during its lifetime" when referring to specific stages or phases of existence; instead, specify the relevant period, such as "during its early stages" or "in its final years".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during its lifetime" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. According to Ludwig AI, it specifies when an action occurs or a state exists, referring to the entire duration of something's existence. It provides a temporal context for the main clause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during its lifetime" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the entire duration of something's existence, whether it be a living organism, an object, or an organization. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts, indicating its wide applicability. When using "during its lifetime", ensure that it accurately reflects the temporal scope you intend, differentiating it from specific stages or phases. Alternatives like "throughout its existence" or "over its duration" can offer nuanced variations. Remember, clarity and context are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throughout its existence

Emphasizes continuous presence or impact from beginning to end.

across its lifespan

Emphasizes biological or functional duration.

over its duration

Focuses on the length of time something lasts.

for the duration of its existence

Formal and emphatic way of expressing the entire lifespan.

in its course

Implies a sequence of events or development within a defined period.

while it existed

Simple and direct way of referring to a past period of existence.

throughout its period of activity

Highlights functional duration with higher emphasis on activity.

during its active years

Highlights the period when something was functional or operational.

in its operational period

Focuses on the period when something is actively used or functioning, often used in technical contexts.

in the time it lived

Simple, direct, and informal.

FAQs

How can I use "during its lifetime" in a sentence?

You can use "during its lifetime" to describe events, changes, or characteristics that occur within the total lifespan of something. For example, "A tree absorbs a significant amount of carbon dioxide "during its lifetime"".

What are some alternatives to saying "during its lifetime"?

Alternatives include phrases like "throughout its existence", "over its duration", or "across its lifespan", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. See more options "throughout its existence".

Is there a difference between "during its lifetime" and "throughout its existence"?

While similar, "during its lifetime" often implies a focus on functional or biological aspects, whereas "throughout its existence" might emphasize broader historical or continuous presence. Compare with "throughout its existence".

Can I use "during its lifetime" to refer to inanimate objects?

Yes, "during its lifetime" can refer to inanimate objects as well as living things. For example, "The bridge experienced several repairs "during its lifetime"".