first and only lifetime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first and only lifetime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the uniqueness of a person's life experience or opportunities. Example: "This is your first and only lifetime to pursue your dreams, so make the most of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In conclusion, the NTP 2-year study of SDD is the first and only lifetime study that clearly demonstrates the carcinogenicity of Cr VI) in rats and mice after oral exposure.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's your one and only lifetime.

Huffington Post

Now Baffert has a colt that made vanquishing stakes company in his first try and only fourth lifetime race look easy.

The New York Times - Sports

On March 19, the night the bombing began, I was with an Iraqi exile (yes, I know, but some of them are honorable and courageous people), and he said, "Look, this is the first and only chance in my lifetime for my people to create a decent society".

The New York Times - Magazine

SJ Buy this book at the Guardian bookshop Journalist Margaret Mitchell wrote Gone with the Wind, her first and only novel published during her lifetime, over 10 years in secret, while convalescing from a riding injury — refusing to show the manuscript to anyone except her husband because she thought it was "lousy".

The Guardian - Books

Those women who had reached a high level of education had a larger increase in risk if they had a pre-eclamptic first pregnancy and only one lifetime child (21 (9.2 to 49)).

British Medical Journal

Arguably a compilation of her best work, it was her first and only solo show of sculpture during her lifetime, and most of the objects in it — along with some earlier and later pieces — are here.

The New York Times - Arts

Collins's first and only feature, "Losing Ground," from 1982, had just a handful of screenings in her lifetime.

The New Yorker

His recently published book, "Brotherton: New Jersey's First and Only Indian Reservation and the Communities of Shamong and Tabernacle That Followed" (Plexus Publishing, $24.95), is a result of a lifetime of research.

The New York Times

Jeremy Lin's first — and only?

Los Angeles Times

Career highlight: Cruising in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 7, winning by three lengths in his first stakes race and only third race lifetime.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "first and only lifetime" to emphasize the importance of making the most of one's experiences and opportunities, as it highlights the finite and unique nature of life.

Common error

Avoid overusing "first and only lifetime" in writing, as it can sound redundant or melodramatic if not used sparingly and in appropriate contexts. Consider alternatives to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first and only lifetime" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize the singular and unique nature of the lifetime being referenced. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests that this particular life is the one and only opportunity for experience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first and only lifetime" is used to highlight the uniqueness of an individual's life, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Although grammatically correct, its frequency is uncommon. It's seen across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, indicating its versatility. The phrase serves to emphasize the importance of making the most of one's experiences, and while it is suitable for many contexts, overuse should be avoided to prevent redundancy. Consider alternatives like "one and only life" or "unique lifetime experience" for variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one and only life

Replaces "lifetime" with "life", emphasizing the singularity of existence.

unique lifetime experience

Highlights the distinct and unrepeatable nature of an experience within one's life.

sole lifetime

Emphasizes that there is only one lifetime.

single lifetime

Similar to 'sole lifetime', it stresses the singular nature of a lifetime.

only chance in life

Focuses on a unique opportunity within a person's existence.

one shot at life

An idiomatic expression stressing the limited opportunities in life.

irreplaceable life

Highlights the value and uniqueness of a life that cannot be replicated.

unrepeatable lifetime

Stresses that the lifetime is singular and can't happen again.

singular existence

Highlights that life is a unique instance of being.

once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

Highlights a special situation which rarely occurs.

FAQs

How can I use "first and only lifetime" in a sentence?

You can use "first and only lifetime" to emphasize the uniqueness and importance of the experiences you have in life, for example: "This is your "first and only lifetime" to pursue your dreams, so make the most of it."

What can I say instead of "first and only lifetime"?

You can use alternatives like "one and only life", "unique lifetime experience", or "sole lifetime" depending on the context.

Is "first and only lifetime" redundant?

While "first" and "only" both imply uniqueness, using them together emphasizes the singularity of the experience. Context matters; in some cases, it may be perceived as redundant, but in others, it can effectively highlight the idea.

What's the difference between "first and only lifetime" and "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity"?

"First and only lifetime" refers to the entirety of a person's existence, whereas "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" refers to a specific, rare event or chance within that lifetime. The former is broader, while the latter is more focused.