earthly vessel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earthly vessel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the physical body or human existence, often in a spiritual or philosophical context. Example: "Many believe that the soul resides within an earthly vessel until it transcends to a higher plane."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Ms. Weissler lays pastel over the contour lines of an ink rendering, creating a double portrait of her subjects, giving her drawings a meditative quality, as if she were portraying her subjects with spirit and earthly vessel intertwined.

The New York Times

I think we'll all remember where we were, and what we were doing, the moment we learned that American pop diva Whitney Houston left her earthly vessel and was carried up to heaven in the arms of angels.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The presses themselves will be shuttered, but spoken of in hushed terms as earthly vessels of the 'Old Gods,' relics of a more fearful time.

Huffington Post

Bob Dylan (who performed the song with Morrison during a concert tour in the 1990s) once remarked that "'Tupelo Honey' has always existed and that Morrison was merely the vessel and the earthly vehicle for it".

Wikipedia

Ezekiel 28 offers a recount of Satan's demise through the description of a proud earthly king, who had been Satan's vessel.

HuffPost

The krater was found in Altamura in southeastern Italy, which was inhabited in ancient times by the Apulians, who buried their dead with a variety of pottery and earthly goods in addition to these elaborate vessels.

Los Angeles Times

But for today let's applaud what looks, from what we know, like a recognition that earthly realities do and must have a say in the decisions we make, that these vessels of ours can be pushed only so far, and that sometimes the greatest service we can perform for an institution we cherish is to step aside and let someone with more vigor and verve steer it into the future.

The New York Times

The earthly side?

Independent

Earthly Mission: The Catholic Church and World Development.

The Economist

We have no earthly idea.

The New York Times

Still, earthly obligations do intrude.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "earthly vessel" in creative writing to add a layer of depth and symbolism to descriptions of characters and their experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "earthly vessel" in purely physical or medical contexts where simpler terms like "body" or "physical form" are more appropriate. "Earthly vessel" carries a specific connotation that may not fit all situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earthly vessel" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig, it is a phrase used to describe the human body, especially when considering its relationship to the soul or spirit. It often implies a temporary or transient nature of physical existence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earthly vessel" is a noun phrase that refers to the human body, especially in a spiritual or philosophical context. As noted by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, though not extremely common. It's used to emphasize the physical body as a temporary container for the soul or spirit. While alternatives like "mortal body" or "physical form" may be suitable in certain contexts, "earthly vessel" specifically carries a spiritual connotation. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, encyclopedias and wiki pages. Use it judiciously to add depth to your writing, avoiding overuse in purely physical or medical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earthly shell

Implies the body is a temporary container for something more significant.

mortal body

Focuses on the body's mortality and impermanence.

physical form

Emphasizes the tangible and material aspect of the body.

human body

A general term for the physical structure of a person.

temporal body

Highlights the body's limited existence in time.

corporeal form

Highlights the body's substantial and material nature.

bodily frame

Refers to the structure and framework of the body.

human existence

Focuses on the entire state of being human, including the physical aspect.

flesh and blood

Emphasizes the human aspect, particularly vulnerability and kinship.

vulnerable physique

Highlights the frailty and susceptibility of the physical form.

FAQs

What does "earthly vessel" mean?

The phrase "earthly vessel" refers to the human body, often in a spiritual or philosophical context, suggesting it's a temporary container for the soul or spirit.

When is it appropriate to use "earthly vessel" in writing?

It's appropriate when discussing the physical body in relation to spiritual or philosophical concepts, or when emphasizing the temporary nature of physical existence.

What are some alternatives to "earthly vessel"?

You can use alternatives like "mortal body", "physical form", or "earthly shell" depending on the context.

Is "earthly vessel" a common phrase?

The phrase is not extremely common, it is more frequent in philosophical or spiritual contexts, but according to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.