during the lifetime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'during the lifetime' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the timespan of somebody's life. For example, "During the lifetime of Albert Einstein, he developed the theory of relativity".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mumaw was his lover during the lifetime of the troupe.

The New Yorker

Fraga, M. F. et al. Epigenetic differences arise during the lifetime of monozygotic twins.

Nature

One may be either heir apparent or heir presumptive during the lifetime of the property holder.

Britannica

3. Fraga, M.F., et al., Epigenetic differences arise during the lifetime of monozygotic twins.

MIT Technology Review

Photocopying is prohibited during the lifetime of Joseph E. Holloway except with his written permission.

Cornell University

The town became an early outpost of Islam, possibly during the lifetime of the Prophet Muḥammad.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That issue, he said, should be "addressed" during the lifetime of the talks, which he chaired.

The Economist

Divertor cassettes will require scheduled maintenance during the lifetime of ITER.

Fusion Engineering and Design

With conventional control, re-tuning is necessary during the lifetime if specified accuracy shall be maintained.

Control Engineering Practice

Geothermal resources are subject to thermal depletion during the lifetime of geothermal power plants.

Renewable Energy

It's a marvellous way for a teenager to understand how their country has evolved during the lifetime of their grandparents.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "during the lifetime", ensure the context clearly specifies whose lifetime you are referring to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "during the lifetime" without a specific subject or timeframe, as this can make the sentence vague and less impactful. Always specify the individual, object, or period you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during the lifetime" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate a specific period or timeframe within the existence of something or someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during the lifetime" is a prepositional phrase used to specify when something occurs within the existence of a person, object, or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and common in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting, making it a versatile phrase for providing temporal context. While generally neutral to formal, its precise meaning depends on the surrounding words. When employing this phrase, remember to clearly define the subject to avoid vagueness. Common alternatives include "throughout one's life" and "while alive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throughout one's life

Highlights the entire span of someone's life.

in the course of their life

Similar to "throughout one's life" but slightly more formal.

while alive

Focuses on the state of being alive during the period in question.

in their time

Refers to a specific era or period in someone's life.

in one's existence

Emphasizes the period of someone's existence.

during the period of existence

A more formal and extended version of the original phrase.

during one's days

Refers to the time when someone is living.

while they lived

Focuses on the past tense of being alive.

during the age

The focus is on a particular time.

within their years

Emphasizes the finite number of years someone has.

FAQs

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

Use "during the lifetime" to indicate that something occurs or exists within the span of someone or something's existence. For example, "Epigenetic differences arise "during the lifetime" of monozygotic twins".

What are some alternatives to using "during the lifetime"?

Alternatives include phrases like "throughout one's life", "while alive", or "in one's existence". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "during the lifetime" and "during the lifespan"?

While similar, "lifespan" often refers to the expected or average duration of life, whereas "lifetime" refers to the actual period someone or something exists. You can use phrases like "during the lifespan" or "during the lifetime".

Can "during the lifetime" be used for non-living things?

Yes, "during the lifetime" can apply to non-living entities with a defined period of operation or existence, such as ""during the lifetime" of a geothermal power plant".