life in general

USAGE SUMMARY

'life in general' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the general conditions and experiences of life, such as when talking about society or everyday life. For example, "For the most part, life in general is good here in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's about life in general.

The New York Times - Sports

Lessons about life in general.

The New York Times

Life, in general, is unpredictable.

The New York Times

Devoid of life in general.

The Guardian

"Life in general is expensive.

The Guardian

Not just sport, but life in general.

The Guardian

Life in general is much quieter.

The New York Times

I guess interior life in general".

The New York Times - Magazine

It referred to second marriages, not to life in general.

The New York Times - Style

Life in general is more stressful than it ever was.

The Guardian - Music

"I talked to them about life in general.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "life in general" to provide a broad perspective or context when discussing specific issues or events. For example, "While technology is advancing rapidly, it's important to consider its impact on "life in general".

Common error

Avoid using "life in general" excessively in formal or academic writing where more precise and specific language is preferred. Instead of saying "This affects "life in general"", consider specifying which aspects of life are affected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "life in general" typically functions as a noun phrase, serving as a general subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the totality of existence or the common experiences shared by individuals. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "life in general" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English to denote the broad scope of human existence and common experiences. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's appropriate in neutral registers, especially in news and media. While it can be useful for providing a broad context, be mindful of potentially being too vague in formal writing and consider more specific alternatives when appropriate. It's a versatile phrase, but precision is key depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

life as a whole

Directly refers to the entirety of one's life, encompassing all aspects and stages.

overall existence

Focuses on the state of being alive and the totality of one's experiences.

everyday life

Highlights the routine and commonplace aspects of existence.

general living conditions

Emphasizes the external factors and circumstances that affect one's life.

human experience

Focuses on the common and shared aspects of being human.

day-to-day existence

Underscores the continuous and ongoing nature of living.

the human condition

Addresses the fundamental aspects of existence, including its joys, sorrows, and challenges.

the big picture

Refers to a broad perspective on life and its meaning.

prevailing reality

Highlights the current and dominant circumstances of life.

the grand scheme of things

Similar to 'the big picture', but emphasizes the place of individuals within a larger framework.

FAQs

How can I use "life in general" in a sentence?

You can use "life in general" to talk about the overall state or common experiences of human existence. For example, "Education plays a crucial role in improving "life in general" for future generations."

What are some alternatives to "life in general"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "everyday life", "the human experience", or "overall existence" instead of "life in general".

Is it appropriate to use "life in general" in academic writing?

While "life in general" is grammatically correct, it might be too broad for academic writing. Consider using more specific terms that directly relate to your topic to provide clarity and precision. For example you can use "general living conditions" or "the human condition".

What does "life in general" encompass?

"Life in general" refers to the broad spectrum of experiences, circumstances, and conditions that constitute human existence. It can include aspects of "day-to-day existence", personal well-being, societal factors, and the "grand scheme of things".