in this lifetime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in this lifetime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing experiences, beliefs, or actions that are relevant to one's current existence or time on Earth. Example: "I hope to travel to every continent in this lifetime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No, not in this lifetime.

The New York Times

"Surely not in this lifetime".

The New York Times - Books

"Not in this lifetime," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I think he was fully used in this lifetime.

The Guardian - Books

The words Not In This Lifetime crossed my mind.

The New York Times - Sports

And in this lifetime I'm living some heavy-duty karma.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There was enough cotton in this lifetime," Ms. Kimble said.

The New York Times

"They're collaborators in this lifetime, as most couples are.

Independent

Meanwhile they're as close to, well, definitive as you're likely to see in this lifetime.

The New York Times

You need proof, and in this lifetime we probably cannot do that yet.

The Guardian - Film

Ron Hubbard discarded the body he had used in this lifetime".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in this lifetime" to emphasize that something is achievable or relevant within the scope of a single human life, setting a realistic or personal timeframe.

Common error

Avoid using "in this lifetime" when the context clearly refers to events or consequences extending beyond death or reincarnation. Ensure the focus remains on the current existence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in this lifetime" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the time frame within which an action, event, or state occurs. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in this lifetime" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote events, goals, or limitations within the scope of a single human existence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase sees frequent usage across diverse contexts such as news, academia, and lifestyle content. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings, though careful consideration should be given to the specific context to avoid unintended implications related to afterlife or reincarnation. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "during this life" or "in my present existence", choosing the most appropriate phrasing ensures clarity and precision in communication. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability and widespread use in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during this life

Replaces "lifetime" with the more direct term "life", maintaining the same temporal scope.

in my present existence

Emphasizes the current state of being, rather than just the duration.

within this incarnation

Adds a spiritual or philosophical dimension, suggesting a specific embodiment.

in this earthly existence

Highlights the material or worldly aspect of the current life.

during my time on earth

A more poetic phrasing, referring to the period one spends living.

while I am alive

A straightforward expression of the time one is living.

in my current reality

Focuses on the experienced world within this lifespan.

in my lived experience

Highlights the personal and subjective nature of the current existence.

within the confines of this life

Stresses the limitations or boundaries of the current existence.

in the span of this life

Refers to the duration or extent of the current life.

FAQs

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

You can use "in this lifetime" to express hopes, goals, or limitations that are relevant to one's current existence. For example, "I want to see the world "in this lifetime"" or "That's not going to happen "in this lifetime"".

What's a more concise way to say "in this lifetime"?

Alternatives include "during this life" or "in my present existence". Choose the phrasing that best fits the context and maintains the intended emphasis.

Is "in this lifetime" more formal or informal?

"In this lifetime" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "during this life" might be preferred in very formal settings.

How does "in this lifetime" differ from "in the next life"?

"In this lifetime" refers to the present existence, while "in the next life" refers to a hypothetical future existence, often in a religious or spiritual context. They are contrasting concepts related to different timeframes.