life

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "life" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to the condition of living or existence, or to describe a particular period of existence. Example: "My life has been filled with wonderful experiences and a richness of emotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Much of Lubitz's social life appears to have taken place in the nearby city of Koblenz.

The Guardian

PH: "Leave me alone, you have no place in my life and no right to be proud.

The Guardian

"There was a great teacher somewhere in your life.

The New York Times

I love life.

The Guardian - Arts

In 1999 the compliant parliament voted for Niyazov to become president for life, and in 2002, he used an alleged assassination attempt to legitimise a far-reaching crackdown on political opponents.

The Guardian

He was already on a life sentence for having killed his girlfriend, Myra Wright.

The Guardian

What was the best kiss of your life?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Subsequently, Karimov tightened controls over political and economic life.

The Guardian

Who would play you in the film of your life?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "life" to refer to the general condition of living or a specific period of someone's existence. It can also metaphorically represent energy, spirit, or animation.

Common error

Avoid using "live" (the verb meaning to exist or reside) when you mean "life" (the noun representing the state of being alive). For example, "He wants to live a good life" is correct, not "He wants to live a good live".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "life" is as a noun. It represents the condition of living, a period of existence, or a particular aspect of existence. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showcasing its versatile usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "life" is a versatile and fundamental noun in the English language, denoting the state of being alive, a period of existence, or a particular aspect of living. Ludwig AI confirms that "life" is grammatically correct and highly prevalent in various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as lifestyle content. While examples from Ludwig showcase applications ranging from the deeply personal to the broadly political, its register remains largely neutral. Alternatives include "existence", "lifetime", and "lifespan", each carrying slightly different nuances. Remember to use "life" when referring to the general condition of living, and avoid confusing it with the verb "live".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

existence

Focuses on the state of being, rather than the duration or quality of living.

lifetime

Emphasizes the duration of a person's existence.

lifespan

Refers specifically to the length of time a living thing exists.

course of life

Highlights the journey and progression through different stages.

mode of living

Indicates the way someone chooses to live or their lifestyle.

state of being

Abstractly describes the overall condition or situation of a person.

period of existence

Emphasizes a specific timeframe during which someone or something exists.

time on earth

Poetically refers to the duration of one's existence.

human existence

Specifically denotes the condition of being human and living.

personal history

Focuses on the unique events and experiences that shape an individual's life.

FAQs

How can I use the word "life" in a sentence?

You can use "life" to refer to the condition of being alive, as in, "She dedicated her life to helping others." Or, you can use it to describe a particular period of existence, such as, "He had a difficult life growing up."

What are some words similar to "life"?

Alternatives to "life" include "existence", "lifetime", or "lifespan", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "life" versus "lives"?

"Life" is the singular form, referring to a single instance or concept of living. "Lives" is the plural form, referring to multiple instances of living or multiple existences, as in, "Cats have nine lives".

Is it correct to say "a life" or just "life"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Life" generally refers to the abstract concept of being alive. "A life" refers to a specific individual's existence or story, such as, "She lived a long and fulfilling a life."