for life

USAGE SUMMARY

'for life' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to denote something that has a long duration or to express a lasting sentiment. For example, "Anne and Mark have been friends for life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For life.

The New Yorker

"She's hungry for life.

The New York Times

Service was for life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They mate for life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lessons for life.

The New York Times - Sports

Hoping for life.

The New York Times

For life! Big Boi!

The New York Times - Arts

for life' fan".

The New York Times

"She's 'banned for life'!

The New Yorker

Deputy leader for life.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

'Bags-for-life' charge 'perverse'perverse

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for life", ensure the context clearly indicates the intended duration. It can refer to the entirety of a person's life or the lifespan of something else, like a product or membership.

Common error

Avoid using "for life" when the intended meaning is simply "long-lasting" or "durable". Ensure the context warrants the implication of an entire lifetime.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for life" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate duration or permanence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure. It specifies the extent to which something is applicable or valid, as seen in examples like "They mate for life" or "Service was for life."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for life" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies permanence or duration until death. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It appears predominantly in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. While versatile in register, it's crucial to ensure the context accurately reflects a lifelong commitment or duration. Related phrases include "lifelong" and "permanent". Avoid using it loosely for merely long-lasting situations to maintain precision. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively employ "for life" to convey lasting implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lifelong

Implies duration throughout one's entire life, often used to describe commitments or qualities.

permanent

Focuses on the lack of change or termination, suggesting an enduring state.

enduring

Emphasizes the ability to withstand time or challenges, highlighting resilience.

lasting

Suggests a long-term impact or effect, often used for relationships or legacies.

throughout life

Explicitly states the duration as the entirety of one's existence.

for the duration of one's life

A more formal way to express the same meaning as "for life".

until death

Highlights the terminal point, emphasizing the commitment until the end of life.

for good

Indicates a final and irreversible decision or state, though not necessarily tied to lifespan.

eternally

Conveys a sense of timelessness and infinite duration.

in perpetuity

Suggests an indefinite or unending duration, often used in legal or formal contexts.

FAQs

How is "for life" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "for life" is typically used to describe something that lasts an entire lifetime, such as "They were friends for life" or "The appointment is for life".

What are some phrases similar to "for life"?

Alternatives to "for life" include phrases like "lifelong", "permanent", or "enduring", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Can "for life" be used to describe non-living things?

Yes, "for life" can be used to describe the lifespan of non-living things, especially in contexts like warranties or memberships. For example, "This product has a lifetime warranty" implies it is guaranteed "for life" of the product, however long that may be.

Is "for life" formal or informal?

"For life" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and everyday conversations.