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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

it's a universal experience
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's a universal experience.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's a universal experience and feeling.

News & Media

Forbes

"I think it's a universal experience, but it's told through the prism of what the world is like now".

News & Media

Huffington Post

I'm sure it's a universal experience for anyone who writes, but it's difficult to get out of, you can't just wish it away—it just disappears when it's had enough.

Wiki

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is a universal experience.

News & Media

Forbes

While resistance lies within a depressive spiral, you don't have to have had experienced depression in the past to know resistance, it's a universal daily experience for all of us.

News & Media

Huffington Post

It's a universal human experience that is, at once, deeply familiar and extremely elusive.

News & Media

Vice

It's a universal human experience -- in every culture, every moment in history.

News & Media

Huffington Post

It's a universal (and universally disliked) experience, but it's one that we each experience differently.

News & Media

Harvard Business Review

It's in the British Museum and it's of a family teaching a child to walk, so it's a universal thing, everybody has experienced this or seen it happen.

News & Media

The Guardian - Arts

You make something and you want it to be a universal experience.

News & Media

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place it in the introduction of an essay or article to establish immediate common ground with your readers.

Common error

Be careful not to apply this phrase to experiences that are actually highly specific to certain cultures, socioeconomic classes or genders. Claiming a niche struggle is a "universal experience" can come across as insensitive or out of touch with diverse realities.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

92%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's a universal experience" functions as a predicative nominative expression where 'it' serves as the dummy subject or refers back to a previously mentioned situation. In the various instances found in Ludwig, it is used to categorize a specific event as part of the collective human narrative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

Social Media

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it's a universal experience" is a robust and highly versatile tool in modern English, serving as a bridge between individual anecdotes and the collective human condition. Analysis of Ludwig data shows it is favored by high-authority sources like The New York Times and The Guardian to discuss topics ranging from aging and love to failure and technology. While the contraction makes it suitable for professional journalism, it maintains a level of gravitas that allows it to function effectively in academic discourse. Writers should use it to foster connection and empathy, though they must remain mindful of cultural nuances to ensure the "universality" they claim truly resonates across diverse populations. Overall, Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase remains a staple for those looking to provide perspective and validation in their writing.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is a common human experience

Removes the contraction and adds 'human' for a more formal and specific tone.

it is something we all share

Focuses on the collective nature of the experience rather than the experience itself.

this is a shared human reality

Employs a more philosophical and literary tone.

everyone has been through it

Uses more colloquial and direct language to emphasize personal history.

everyone can relate to this

Emphasizes the ability of others to understand or empathize with the situation.

we have all felt this way

Shifts the focus specifically to shared emotions and empathy.

this is a ubiquitous occurrence

Uses more sophisticated vocabulary ('ubiquitous') suitable for academic contexts.

it is a global phenomenon

Broadens the scope to a sociological or worldwide level.

it transcends cultural boundaries

Highlights that the experience is not limited by geography or tradition.

it happens to the best of us

An idiomatic variation typically used for consoling someone after a mistake.

FAQs

How do I use "it's a universal experience" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe common life events, such as "Feeling nervous before a big speech is a common thing; in fact, "it's a universal experience"."

What can I say instead of "it's a universal experience"?

Depending on your intended tone, you might use alternatives like "everyone can relate", "it is a shared reality" or "a common human condition".

Is "it's a universal experience" considered a cliché?

While common, it is generally viewed as a useful rhetorical device in journalism and essays. To avoid sounding cliché, follow the phrase with a unique insight or a specific cultural context.

What is the difference between "it's a universal experience" and a "common occurrence"?

A "common occurrence" refers to something that happens often, whereas "it's a universal experience" suggests something that is felt or understood by all human beings regardless of their background.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

92%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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it's a universal experienceGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

it's a universal experience
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples