life's calling

USAGE SUMMARY

"life's calling" is a grammatically correct phrase that is frequently used in written English.
You can use it when discussing a person's talent, purpose, or destiny, which they feel strongly compelled to pursue. For example: "Although she was struggling financially, she never gave up on her dream as she felt it was life's calling for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"She is convinced it's her life's calling.

The New York Times

She's taught twerking before, so perhaps this is a life's calling.

Huffington Post

Management, clearly, is not his life's calling.

The New York Times

But Levandowski had found his life's calling.

The Guardian - Tech

But he did not consider pot his life's calling.

The New Yorker

Mr. Eckstine says his "life's calling" is photographing alien spacecraft above Manhattan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

And if I'm being perfectly honest, there was a time in my life (let's call it "high school") when I, a lifelong non-smoker, carried a Zippo as an accessory.

TechCrunch

Thirty-some years ago, when I married the female love of my life (let's call her "Alison"), there was no other road open.

Huffington Post

Instead of writing exclusively about his star-crossed love life, Snow Patrol's calling card to universality, singer Gary Lightbody turns his attention to the vastness of the universe.

The Guardian - Music

So, for his life's sake, let's call him Lange.

Vice

The denizens of the hidden "alien" biosphere — let's call them Life 2.0 — might employ radically different biochemical processes than the life we know and love.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "life's calling" to convey a sense of deep commitment and purpose, often discovered through personal experience or realization.

Common error

Avoid mistaking a temporary enthusiasm for your "life's calling". A true calling involves sustained dedication and a profound sense of fulfillment over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "life's calling" functions as a noun phrase indicating a vocation or strong purpose that someone feels deeply connected to. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Huffington Post

18%

The New York Times

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Forbes

1%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "life's calling" is a common expression used to describe a profound sense of purpose or vocation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media. It signifies a deep commitment and a feeling of destiny, often realized through personal experiences. While it's important not to confuse fleeting interests with a true calling, exploring your passions can lead to discovering what truly resonates with you. Alternatives like "vocation" or "true purpose" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vocation

Focuses more on the professional aspect of a calling.

true purpose

Emphasizes the inherent reason for existence.

passion in life

Highlights the emotional and enthusiastic aspect of a calling.

destiny

Suggests a predetermined course or fate.

raison d'être

A more formal, philosophical term for reason for being.

ultimate career goal

More specific and related to career and professional life.

main mission in life

Highlights importance of assignment and drive.

deepest inspiration

Highlights the inspirational aspect of a calling.

driving force

Emphasizes the motivating power behind someone's actions.

greatest ambition

Focuses on the highest aspiration or goal.

FAQs

What does it mean to refer to something as someone's "life's calling"?

Referring to something as someone's "life's calling" means it's an activity or pursuit that they feel deeply passionate about and believe is their main purpose or destiny.

How can I identify my "life's calling"?

Identifying your "life's calling" often involves self-reflection, exploring your interests, and identifying activities that bring you a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "life's calling"?

You can use alternatives like "vocation", "true purpose", or "passion in life" depending on the context.

Is it possible to have more than one "life's calling"?

While some people have one clear "life's calling", others may find fulfillment in multiple areas or experience a shift in their calling over time.