eternal

USAGE SUMMARY

'eternal' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is everlasting and never-ending. An example sentence could be: "His love for her was eternal".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fighting malevolence… the eternal battle between light and the dark.

The Guardian - Film

And of course, the eternal dilemma, ketchup or HP.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the background, the eternal debate over whether the art can or should be separated from the artist rumbles on, no closer to a satisfactory conclusion than it ever has been.

The Guardian - Film

[phone], avillelongue.free.fr First, there is eternal Provence, the hillsides scented with wild herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender.

The Guardian - Travel

It is to Brown's eternal credit that he was livid when it was suggested that he do a deal with Tony Blair for the succession by relenting on the pound and the single currency.

The Guardian - Business

And, rather than simply dying, she takes on a new kind of life in which she and nature become indivisible and eternal.

The Guardian - Books

For another, if spirits of the dead really did survive in some form, we might expect their appearance and behaviour to reflect some kind of eternal unchanging afterlife.

The Guardian - Opinion

This year's Bafta comedy nominees fall into three main categories: deserve to win (and should win), deserve to win (but won't win) and absolutely don't deserve to win (but will win anyway to the eternal ire of the internet).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

10.58am: It sounds like Justice Anthony Kennedy, the eternal "swing vote" on the bench, isn't taking it easy on the Solicitor General as the hearing starts.

The Guardian

It was frightening what other people were saying – that I was going to eternal hell just because of who I was".

The Guardian - Music

I use feedback loops to achieve something transcendental, to find something eternal that I can listen to over and over".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eternal" to describe concepts or entities that you want to emphasize as lasting indefinitely or existing outside of time, ensuring the context aligns with the sense of permanence you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "eternal" to describe things that are merely very long-lasting but still finite. For example, a very long contract is not "eternal"; 'long-term' or 'indefinite' would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "eternal" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something lasts forever or exists outside of time. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples where "eternal" describes lasting qualities or states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Academic

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eternal" is a versatile adjective signifying something that lasts forever or exists outside of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and finds frequent use across various domains, particularly in news and formal business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its specific register can shift depending on the subject matter. Common errors include using "eternal" for finite but very long-lasting things. When seeking alternatives, options like "everlasting", "endless", and "timeless" can offer similar meanings with subtle variations. Remembering these nuances will help you employ "eternal" with accuracy and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everlasting

Implies duration throughout all time; slightly more poetic.

endless

Focuses on the lack of a boundary or limit.

unending

Similar to 'endless' but emphasizes the continuation without stopping.

ageless

Suggests timelessness and not being affected by age or time.

timeless

Signifies not being affected by the passage of time; often used for classic or enduring qualities.

perpetual

Emphasizes continuous and never-ceasing duration.

unceasing

Highlights the continuous nature without interruption.

never-ending

A more direct and literal synonym for something that doesn't finish.

permanent

Indicates something intended to last indefinitely without change.

immortal

Suggests living forever, often associated with gods or legends.

FAQs

How can I use "eternal" in a sentence?

You can use "eternal" to describe something that lasts forever, such as "The artist sought to capture the eternal beauty of nature."

What are some alternatives to saying "eternal"?

You can use alternatives like "everlasting", "endless", or "timeless" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "eternal" and "sempiternal"?

"Eternal" signifies existing outside of time, while "sempiternal" means existing within time but everlastingly.

Is it correct to use "eternal" for things that are very long-lasting but finite?

While commonly used, it's more accurate to reserve "eternal" for truly infinite or timeless concepts. For long-lasting but finite things, consider "long lasting" or "indefinite".