feels like a lifetime

USAGE SUMMARY

"feels like a lifetime" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to suggest that a certain amount of time has felt longer than it actually is. For example, "I've only been living on my own for six months, but it already feels like a lifetime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It feels like a lifetime ago.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Been a year, but feels like a lifetime.

The New York Times

That feels like a lifetime ago," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

However, the whirlwind that was the fringe feels like a lifetime ago.

The Guardian

At the same time, it also feels like a lifetime ago.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In our fast-moving times, a month feels like a lifetime.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although it feels like a lifetime ago I was just recently sworn in as a Commissioner in January.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "feels like a lifetime" to emphasize the perceived length of time, especially when emotions or significant events make it seem longer than it actually is.

Common error

While effective, avoid overuse in close proximity within your writing. Vary your expressions to maintain reader engagement; consider alternatives like "seems like an eternity" or "feels like a distant memory".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feels like a lifetime" functions as an idiomatic expression, describing a subjective experience of time distortion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to emphasize that a period, regardless of its actual length, seemed much longer due to intense emotions, significant events, or prolonged anticipation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feels like a lifetime" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe a period that subjectively feels much longer than it actually is. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and widespread application, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, remember to emphasize the subjective experience of time and consider varying your expressions to avoid repetition. Alternatives like "seems like an eternity" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems like an eternity

Emphasizes the seemingly endless duration of time.

feels like a distant memory

Highlights the fading or remote quality of a past event.

appears to be ages ago

Indicates a considerable amount of time has passed, creating a sense of distance.

it's been a long time

A straightforward expression indicating a significant duration has elapsed.

it seems like a past life

Suggests a complete transformation or change from a previous state or experience.

it feels like another world

Implies a significant difference or disconnection between the past and present.

that was another era

Highlights the historical distance and different context of a past event.

it was ages and ages ago

Expresses a strong sense of time having passed.

time has flown by

Highlights the speed at which time has passed.

it's been such a long while

Expresses the feeling that time has elapsed slowly or with difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "feels like a lifetime" to describe a period that, despite its actual duration, seemed much longer due to intense experiences or emotions. For example, "The two months since the accident "feels like a lifetime"."

What's a similar expression to "feels like a lifetime"?

Alternatives include "seems like an eternity", which emphasizes the perceived endlessness of time, or "feels like ages ago", conveying a sense of distance from the past.

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

Yes, "feels like a lifetime" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to express the subjective experience of time.

What is the difference between "feels like a lifetime" and "was like a lifetime"?

"Feels like a lifetime" describes a current subjective experience of time, while "was like a lifetime" refers to a past experience. For example, "The wait "feels like a lifetime"" (present), versus "The surgery "was like a lifetime"" (past).