in this life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in this life' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate the natural, inevitable course of life and its struggles. For example, you could say: "One must accept the hardships that come with life in this life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Not in this life.

The New York Times

At least, not in this life.

Independent

NOTHING is impossible in this life.

The New York Times

Well, in this life anyway.

The Guardian

You have two choices in this life.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I lost three in this life".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

How can one be utterly bored in this life?

HuffPost

Are there villains in this piece....in this life?

HuffPost

Very few things in this life are absolute".

The Guardian - Opinion

We are all in this life together.

HuffPost

That's the best we can do in this life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in this life" to emphasize the opportunities and limitations within one's current existence, especially when contrasting it with potential afterlives or past lives.

Common error

Avoid using "in this life" excessively in casual conversation; simpler phrases like "nowadays" or "currently" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in this life" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the time frame or context of an action or state. It indicates that something is true or applicable during the current existence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in this life" is a versatile adverbial phrase that serves to contextualize statements within the realm of present existence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media. It's useful for contrasting current experiences with hypothetical scenarios, past lives, or future possibilities. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid overuse in overly casual contexts where simpler alternatives might suffice. Remember, "in this life", wisdom is only gained through experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during this existence

Replaces "life" with a more philosophical term, "existence", emphasizing the current state of being.

in this lifetime

Substitutes "life" with "lifetime", highlighting a specific period of existence.

in our time

Focuses on the present era or period.

while we live

Emphasizes the action of living as the relevant timeframe.

in current times

Highlights the contemporary setting.

in the present day

Stresses the modern period.

in this day and age

A common expression referring to the present era.

in the here and now

Focuses on the immediacy of the present moment.

during my days

Highlights personal experiences within a lifetime.

while on earth

Highlights the earth as the place of living.

FAQs

How can I use "in this life" in a sentence?

You can use "in this life" to express something that happens or is true during the course of one's present existence. For example, "We only have one chance "in this life"" or "There are no guarantees "in this life"".

What are some alternatives to "in this life"?

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

Is it correct to use "in this life" when discussing reincarnation?

Yes, "in this life" can be used when discussing reincarnation to differentiate between the current life and previous or future lives. For instance, "I was a fighter in another life, but "in this life", I trade in sucker-punches."

What is the difference between "in this life" and "in the next life"?

"In this life" refers to the present existence, while "in the next life" refers to a hypothetical future existence, often in religious or spiritual contexts. For example, "I'll pay you back, dead or alive. "In this life" or the next."