feel like a lifetime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel like a lifetime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the sensation that a period of time has seemed very long, often due to emotional experiences or significant events. Example: "Waiting for the results of the exam felt like a lifetime, but finally, the email arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It would feel like a lifetime".

The Guardian - Books

Reading it will feel like a lifetime for you.

The Guardian - Books

Three years can feel like a lifetime in football.

The Guardian - Sport

"It does genuinely feel like a lifetime ago.

The Guardian - Sport

For Coventry City's long-suffering supporters, it must feel like a lifetime ago.

Independent

If you're suffering from discrimination, 10 years can feel like a lifetime.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"It feels like a lifetime's journey".

The New York Times - Arts

Been a year, but feels like a lifetime.

The New York Times

That feels like a lifetime ago," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

"This feels like a lifetime, all the stuff that happened in the last six months," he said recently.

The New York Times - Sports

My service in Iraq felt like a lifetime, and an instant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel like a lifetime" to effectively convey the subjective experience of time distortion, particularly when strong emotions are involved. For example, "Waiting for the test results can "feel like a lifetime".

Common error

While "feel like a lifetime" is a vivid expression, avoid overusing it. Reserve it for situations where the perceived duration is significantly longer than the actual time elapsed. Overusing the phrase might diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel like a lifetime" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a period of time that subjectively seems very long, often due to emotional distress, boredom, or anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Lifestyle

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Sport

4%

Arts

1%

Tech

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "feel like a lifetime" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to describe a period that subjectively seems much longer than it actually is. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It’s most frequently found in news and media contexts to underscore the emotional impact of events, but it's essential to avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "seem like an eternity" or "last an age" to ensure variety in your writing. Remember that while widely acceptable, "feel like a lifetime" is best suited for neutral to informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem like an eternity

Emphasizes the seemingly endless nature of the time period.

take an eternity

Similar to 'seem like an eternity', but with a focus on the time it takes.

feel like forever

A more informal way to express a similar sentiment.

seem never-ending

Similar to 'appear to never end', emphasizing the continuous nature.

drag on endlessly

Focuses on the tedious and protracted nature of the experience.

stretch out interminably

Highlights the seemingly endless and boring nature of the duration.

last an age

Highlights the duration and perceived length of the time.

appear to never end

Focuses on the perception that the time period will not conclude.

pass in slow motion

Emphasizes the slow and drawn-out feeling of the experience.

feel like a very long time

A more literal and less figurative way of expressing the sentiment.

FAQs

How can I use "feel like a lifetime" in a sentence?

You can use "feel like a lifetime" to describe a period that seems exceptionally long due to boredom, anxiety, or other strong emotions. For instance, "The ten-second delay before the results were announced "felt like a lifetime".

What's a good alternative to "feel like a lifetime"?

Alternatives include "seem like an eternity", "feel like forever", or "last an age", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel like a lifetime"?

Yes, "feel like a lifetime" is grammatically correct and a common idiomatic expression. It's used to describe the subjective experience of time passing very slowly.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "feel like a lifetime"?

It is appropriate to use "feel like a lifetime" in situations where you want to emphasize the subjective feeling that a period of time, regardless of its actual length, seemed incredibly long or drawn out. This is especially true when describing moments of intense emotion, boredom, or anticipation.