in our lifetime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in our lifetime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to events or experiences that occur during the duration of a person's life. Example: "We hope to see significant advancements in technology in our lifetime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not in our lifetime".

The New Yorker

"Not in our lifetime," she said.

The New York Times

Perhaps not in our lifetime.

The New York Times - Food

We will do this in our lifetime".

The New York Times - Magazine

"That's not in our lifetime," he observed.

The New Yorker

That's unlikely to happen in our lifetime.

The New Yorker

Not in our lifetime," he added.

The Guardian

We think it's going to happen in our lifetime".

The New York Times

We won't see his like again in our lifetime".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We will never have this opportunity again in our lifetime.

The Guardian - Sport

He says Ofgem have "almost entirely failed in our lifetime".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in our lifetime" to emphasize that an event or change is realistically possible or likely to occur within the lifespan of the current generation, creating a sense of urgency or relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "in our lifetime" when discussing events with extremely uncertain timelines. It can sound hyperbolic if applied to possibilities that are far-fetched or lack concrete supporting evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in our lifetime" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify a timeframe. It indicates that an event or action is expected to occur during the speaker's or a shared generation's existence. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in our lifetime" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is expected to occur or be achieved during the current generation's lifespan. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various sources, particularly in news and media, with a neutral register. It effectively conveys immediacy and relevance, creating a sense of urgency or hope. When using this phrase, avoid applying it to vague or far-fetched predictions. Consider alternatives like "during our existence" or "in our time" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in our time

A simpler, more direct way to express the same concept, but slightly less specific.

while we are alive

Expresses the idea in a more literal way, emphasizing the state of being living.

during our existence

Replaces "lifetime" with a more general term for being alive, changing the emphasis slightly.

in our generation

Highlights a shared experience among people born around the same time, rather than individual lifespan.

in our days

Emphasizes the current period or era, rather than a specific individual's lifespan.

within our memory

Focuses on events that can be recalled, adding a subjective element of personal experience.

in our era

Shifts the focus to the broader historical period, rather than personal experience.

in contemporary times

Uses a more formal tone, emphasizing the current period's characteristics.

during our adulthood

Specifies the period of life after reaching maturity, narrowing the scope of the statement.

that we will see

Changes the focus to anticipation of witnessing an event, rather than the timeframe itself.

FAQs

How can I use "in our lifetime" in a sentence?

You can use "in our lifetime" to indicate that something is expected to happen or be achieved during the current generation's lifespan. For example, "We hope to see a cure for cancer "in our lifetime"."

What are some alternatives to saying "in our lifetime"?

Alternatives include phrases like "during our existence", "in our time", or "in our generation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "within our lifetime" instead of "in our lifetime"?

Both "in our lifetime" and "within our lifetime" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "in our lifetime" and "in history"?

"In our lifetime" refers to events or achievements expected to occur during the current generation's lifespan. "In history", on the other hand, refers to events or achievements that are significant enough to be recorded and remembered across generations, regardless of when they occur.