is ephemeral

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is ephemeral" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is temporary or short-lived in nature. Example: "The beauty of a sunset is ephemeral, lasting only a few moments before darkness falls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Topiary is ephemeral.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Theater is ephemeral.

The New York Times

Theatre is ephemeral.

The New Yorker

Russia's political stability is ephemeral.

The Economist

Life is ephemeral and quick.

The Guardian - Books

"Voice is ephemeral," Ozzie said.

The New Yorker

FASHION, they say, is ephemeral.

The New York Times

First of all, his art is ephemeral.

The New Yorker

That's because everything is ephemeral here.

The New York Times

At walking speed, air is ephemeral stuff.

The Economist

But Mr. Feldmann's installation is ephemeral.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is ephemeral", consider the specific nuance you want to convey regarding the duration and impact of what you are describing. Choose synonyms like "fleeting" or "transient" for subtly different effects.

Common error

While "is ephemeral" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Simpler terms like "temporary" or "short-lived" may be clearer and more direct for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is ephemeral" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or quality of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to attribute the characteristic of being short-lived or transient to something. For instance, "Life is ephemeral and quick" illustrates this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is ephemeral" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing something that lasts only a short time. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, and is suitable for both neutral and formal registers. While many examples provided by Ludwig show a wide use, keep in mind that alternatives like "is temporary" or "is fleeting" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance and level of formality. Be mindful of overuse in highly technical or casual writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is transient

Emphasizes the fleeting and passing nature, suggesting a movement or shift.

is temporary

Highlights the limited duration and non-permanence of something.

is fleeting

Focuses on the quick and elusive nature of something, often emphasizing its beauty or preciousness.

is short-lived

Directly indicates a brief existence or duration.

is momentary

Stresses the very brief and instantaneous nature of something.

is passing

Implies that something is in the process of moving on or fading away.

is evanescent

Suggests a gradual disappearance or fading from sight or memory.

is fugacious

Emphasizes the tendency to disappear quickly or fade rapidly.

is volatile

Highlights the unstable and quickly changing nature of something.

is impermanent

Directly states the lack of permanence.

FAQs

How can I use "is ephemeral" in a sentence?

You can use "is ephemeral" to describe something that lasts for a very short time, such as "The beauty of a rainbow "is ephemeral"" or "Fame "is ephemeral"; stars come and go."

What are some alternatives to "is ephemeral"?

Some alternatives to "is ephemeral" include "is transient", "is temporary", "is fleeting", or "is short-lived". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "ephemeral" formal or informal?

"Ephemeral" is generally considered a more formal word. In casual conversation, you might prefer using alternatives like "is temporary" or "is short-lived". However, "ephemeral" is perfectly appropriate in news articles, academic papers, and other formal contexts.

What's the difference between "is ephemeral" and "is temporary"?

While both phrases indicate something doesn't last forever, "is ephemeral" suggests a briefer and more delicate existence compared to "is temporary". "Ephemeral" often implies a sense of beauty or fragility, whereas "temporary" simply denotes a limited duration without such connotations.