have ever lived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'have ever lived' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to express a very strong opinion about something or someone, for example: "He is undoubtedly the greatest artist who has ever lived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But they probably are, if they compare their lot not with their living compatriots, but with all the people who have ever lived.

The Economist

All the Creatures That Have Ever Lived.

The New York Times - Books

Shergar was arguably the greatest racehorse to have ever lived.

Independent

Probably one of the best to have ever lived.

The Guardian - Sport

We are the luckiest generation that have ever lived".

The Guardian

It was the greatest place any of us have ever lived.

The New Yorker

Of all the people who have ever lived, how many are alive today?

The Economist

More than 99.9 percent of species that have ever lived are extinct.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Truly, he is a wonderful player, one of the greatest Welsh players to have ever lived.

Independent

More than 99percentt of all species that have ever lived on earth are extinct.

The New York Times - Books

"But this has been the most stressful place I have ever lived," she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have ever lived" to emphasize a comparative or superlative statement, highlighting someone or something's unique position in history or experience. For example, "She is the most accomplished scientist to "have ever lived"".

Common error

Avoid using "have ever lived" when the simple past tense is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "He "has ever lived" in Paris", say "He lived in Paris" if you are referring to a completed action in the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have ever lived" functions as part of a verb phrase, typically within a relative clause or to add emphasis to a superlative statement. It's used to indicate that something is being compared against everything that has existed, which is validated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have ever lived" is a correct and commonly used verb phrase to emphasize a comparison against everything that has existed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the comparative or superlative intent. Related phrases like "have existed at any time" and "have been alive at any point" offer similar meanings with subtle differences. Remember to avoid simple past tense misuse and use it correctly to add emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have existed at any time

Focuses on existence at any point in the past, shifting the emphasis from living to merely existing.

have been alive at any point

This alternative highlights the state of being alive, rather than the experience of living.

have at any time inhabited

Focuses on the act of inhabiting a place at any point in time.

have previously resided

Emphasizes prior residence or dwelling, changing the focus from the act of living to the location of living.

have walked this earth

This emphasizes physical presence on Earth, adding a poetic or figurative dimension.

have ever experienced

Shifts the focus to personal experiences, rather than the overall state of living.

have drawn breath

Highlights the act of breathing as a sign of life, offering a more metaphorical alternative.

have been present

Highlights presence in a specific time or place, differing from the broader sense of "lived".

have been around

This informal alternative implies existence and experience but lacks the formality of "lived".

have seen the light of day

Focuses on birth and existence, contrasting with the comprehensive concept of having lived.

FAQs

How can I use "have ever lived" in a sentence?

The phrase "have ever lived" is generally used to express a superlative or compare someone or something to everything that has existed. For example, "She is the greatest musician to "have ever lived"" or "This is the best place I "have ever lived" in".

What's the difference between "have ever lived" and "have lived"?

"Have lived" refers to the experience of living somewhere or in a certain way at some point in the past, whereas "have ever lived" emphasizes a comparison against all possible past instances. "I "have lived" in London" simply states you lived there. "I "have ever lived" here" implies this is the best/worst etc. of all the places you have lived.

What can I say instead of "have ever lived"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "have existed at any time", "have been alive at any point", or "have previously resided". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "She is the best person that has ever lived"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "She is the best person that "has ever lived"". The phrase emphasizes that, out of all people who have existed, she is considered the best. You can also say "She is the best person to "have ever lived"".