it is ephemeral

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is ephemeral" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is temporary or short-lived, often in a poetic or philosophical context. Example: "The beauty of the sunset is breathtaking, but it is ephemeral, fading away within moments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Dani Cavallaro, an author of books related to anime, reflected on this by proposing that hope retains its purity and authenticity when it is ephemeral, evanescent and elusive.

Wikipedia

Indeed, the main, though not invariable, method of defining a work as belonging to popular literature is whether it is ephemeral, that is, losing its appeal and significance with the passage of time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

DOHA, Qatar -- Along a skyline that feels as ambitious as it is ephemeral, there is a building named for its design -- the Tornado.

The New York Times

"Architectural isn't essential, it is ephemeral.

The Guardian

The trouble is that it is ephemeral.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is ephemeral, time-based, as fluid and situational as it is concrete.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

It's ephemeral.

The New York Times - Arts

No fashion, because it's ephemeral.

The New York Times

But they can't, because it's ephemeral".

The New Yorker

"It refracts the light, and it's ephemeral".

The New York Times

The police sensed that there was more evidence to be had, but it was ephemeral.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is ephemeral" when you want to convey the transient and delicate nature of something, often in contexts involving art, emotions, or natural phenomena. For example, "The beauty of cherry blossoms is treasured because "it is ephemeral"."

Common error

Avoid using "it is ephemeral" to imply that something lacks significance. Ephemerality refers to brief existence, not inherent worth. A fleeting moment can still be profoundly meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is ephemeral" functions primarily as a declarative statement, asserting that something possesses the quality of being short-lived or transient. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse contexts, from describing art to human experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is ephemeral" effectively conveys the transient and fleeting nature of something, often adding a layer of appreciation for its temporary existence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various reputable sources. It appears most commonly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, indicating its suitability for formal and reflective contexts. When you aim to express the short-lived beauty or fragility of a subject, "it is ephemeral" serves as a sophisticated and evocative choice. Alternatives like "it is transient" or "it is fleeting" can provide similar nuances, depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to impart.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is evanescent

Substitutes "ephemeral" with the less common but synonymous "evanescent".

it is transient

Replaces "ephemeral" with "transient", emphasizing the temporary nature.

it is fleeting

Substitutes "ephemeral" with "fleeting", highlighting the quick passing.

it is temporary

Uses "temporary" instead of "ephemeral", focusing on the limited duration.

it is short-lived

Emphasizes the brief existence using a compound adjective.

it is not permanent

Expresses the lack of permanence directly, differing in structure.

it is passing

Replaces "ephemeral" with "passing", indicating something moving by quickly.

it is momentary

Focuses on the very short duration, using "momentary".

it is fugitive

Highlights the elusive and quickly disappearing nature, replacing "ephemeral" with "fugitive".

it is vanishing

Uses "vanishing" to stress the disappearing aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is ephemeral" to describe something that is short-lived or transient. For example, "The joy of childhood "it is ephemeral", so cherish every moment."

What's a good alternative to "it is ephemeral"?

Alternatives include "it is transient", "it is fleeting", or "it is temporary", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "it is ephemeral" in formal writing?

Yes, "it is ephemeral" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing philosophical, artistic, or natural themes. Its sophisticated tone adds depth to the description.

What is the difference between "it is ephemeral" and "it is temporary"?

While both describe something that doesn't last forever, "it is ephemeral" often implies a sense of beauty or fragility associated with its brief existence, whereas "it is temporary" simply indicates a limited duration.