during my existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during my existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the time period of one's life or the duration of one's being. Example: "During my existence, I have encountered many challenges and learned valuable lessons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This particular gift of a book sat unopened for many months, gathering dust in storage during a peripatetic period of my existence.

The Guardian - Books

Too Late for Love, in which lyrics about a lady who is "acting pretty cool" yet in life is "always playin' the fool" seemed to mimic my existence during one depressing phase that lasted all of a week.

HuffPost

In the 13-plus years that I've been incarcerated, not much has changed behind the barriers that define my existence during what should be the best years of my life.

Vice

I quickly flicked to the 1940s and 50s on the OED site to see which words came in during my first years of existence.

The Guardian - Opinion

All the multibillion-dollar clients I have came into existence during my legal career -- the last 20 years -- because in Silicon Valley we have an environment in which that can happen.

The New York Times

My surreal, hazy existence during those weeks was a perfect fit with the world of "1Q84," where everything seems just a little bit off.

The New York Times

The program was both innovative and controversial during its existence.

Cornell University

The settlement, named for James I, was known variously during its existence as James Forte, James Towne, and James Cittie.

Britannica

The tribunal is equally ineffective, and during its existence has not upheld a single complaint.

The Guardian

Ontogeny, all the developmental events that occur during the existence of a living organism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As an enduring, sustained collectivity a social movement undergoes significant changes during its existence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "throughout my life" or "in my lifetime" for clarity and conciseness in general writing.

Common error

Avoid using "during my existence" in informal contexts. The phrase can sound stilted or pretentious in casual conversation or writing. Opt for simpler alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during my existence" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating a time period. It specifies when an action or state occurred, referring to the speaker's lifetime. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically sound, "during my existence" is a relatively formal phrase that specifies a timeframe within one's lifetime. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable, but its use should be carefully considered, especially in informal contexts. More common alternatives, like "throughout my life" or "in my lifetime", often provide greater clarity and conciseness. Primarily found in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources, this phrase serves to add personal context but can sometimes sound stilted, warranting a switch to simpler wording for enhanced readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Throughout my life

Replaces "existence" with the more common "life", maintaining a similar meaning but with broader usage.

In my lifetime

Focuses on events occurring within the span of one's life, emphasizing personal experience.

During my time

A more general phrase referring to a period experienced by the speaker, not necessarily their entire life.

In my experience

Shifts the focus to personal encounters and observations rather than the entire period of living.

As long as I have lived

Emphasizes the duration of life as a condition for something else, adding a sense of comparison.

For the duration of my life

Formally specifies the entire period of living, suitable for legal or philosophical contexts.

While I have been alive

Highlights being alive as the timeframe, focusing on the state of living.

Through the years I've been around

Informal and conversational, emphasizing the passage of time.

In all my born days

An idiomatic expression emphasizing rarity or surprise, using folksy language.

Throughout my personal history

Formal and detached, suitable for academic writing or historical accounts of oneself.

FAQs

What is a more common way to say "during my existence"?

More common alternatives include "throughout my life" or "in my lifetime". These options are generally more concise and widely understood.

Is "during my existence" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase is grammatically correct, but it may sound overly formal in some contexts. Simpler alternatives might be preferable.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "during my existence"?

The phrase is most appropriate in formal writing or when emphasizing the entire duration of one's life. However, consider whether a simpler alternative would be more effective.

What phrases are similar to "during my existence" but less formal?

Less formal alternatives include "in my lifetime", "throughout my life", or even just "in my experience", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.