in the course of its life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the course of its life" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to events, changes, or developments that occur over the duration of a person's or entity's existence. Example: "The species has adapted significantly in the course of its life, evolving to better survive in its environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Equipped with a kind of natural GPS system that biologists have yet to decode, the bluefin can cross and recross the Atlantic's breadth multiple times in the course of its life.

The New York Times

In the course of its life, this site is likely to require about five Olympic swimming pools of water, about a quarter of which will be returned to the surface quickly, cleaned and recycled.

The Guardian

No. 224 received two new boilers in the course of its life: one was fitted by Drummond, the other by Holmes.

Wikipedia

Differential expression of genes encoding proteins with LPXTG motifs is consistent with the idea that GBS must adhere to several cell types in the course of its life cycle.

Plosone

An explanation was offered by [ 6], who showed that Metapolybia aztecoides alternates between polygyny and oligogyny and, eventually monogyny in the course of its life cycle.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In the course of his life, Rabi received many honors in addition to the Nobel Prize.

Wikipedia

In Nisbet's view, big changes in the course of scholarly life were to blame.

The New Yorker

In the course of the life test MEA characteristics were studied by electrochemical methods.

Electrochimica Acta

[Some species] use the entire length of the Amazon in the course of their life span.

Science Magazine

Humans are widely exposed to estrogenically active environmental chemicals ("xenoestrogens") in the course of everyday life.

Breast Cancer Research

Individuals are exposed to many xenobiotic substances in the course of daily life.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the course of its life", ensure that the subject has a defined lifespan or period of existence. This phrase implies a progression or series of events that occur from beginning to end.

Common error

Avoid using "in the course of its life" to describe abstract concepts or events without a clear beginning and end. Stick to entities with identifiable lifespans.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the course of its life" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It provides temporal context, indicating when an action or state occurs relative to the lifespan of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the course of its life" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that specifies a timeframe during which events occur within an entity's existence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral registers. When writing, remember to reserve it for subjects with a defined lifespan and avoid using it for abstract concepts lacking clear beginnings and ends. Alternatives like "during its lifespan" or "throughout its existence" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during its lifespan

Focuses on the duration of life, emphasizing the period between birth and death.

throughout its existence

Highlights the entire period of being, from beginning to end.

over its lifetime

Similar to 'during its lifespan' but can also apply to inanimate objects or projects.

in its time

A more general phrase that can refer to a specific period within its overall existence.

as it lives

Emphasizes the continuous and ongoing nature of the life process.

in its period of being

A more formal and somewhat redundant way of expressing the idea of existence.

while it existed

Focuses on the past tense, referring to a time when something was alive or functional.

during its period on earth

Specifically refers to life on Earth, often used for biological organisms.

during its natural history

More specific to the context of biological or ecological studies.

in the totality of its days

A more poetic and emphatic way of expressing the entirety of its life.

FAQs

How can I use "in the course of its life" in a sentence?

You can use "in the course of its life" to describe changes, events, or developments that happen during the lifespan of an organism, object, or even a project. For example, "The bluefin can cross and recross the Atlantic's breadth multiple times "in the course of its life"."

What is a good alternative to "in the course of its life"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "during its lifespan", "throughout its existence", or "over its lifetime".

Is there a difference between "in the course of its life" and "during its life"?

"In the course of its life" implies a progression or series of events, while "during its life" is a more general reference to any point within the lifespan. The former is more specific about changes or developments over time.

Can "in the course of its life" be used for inanimate objects?

Yes, "in the course of its life" can be used for inanimate objects that have a defined operational lifespan or period of use. For instance, "No. 224 received two new boilers "in the course of its life"."