lives

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'lives' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is the plural form of 'life' and is used to refer to the existence, experiences, or activities of living beings. Here are a few examples of using 'lives' in written English: 1. "The scientist dedicated his life to finding a cure for cancer, saving countless lives in the process." 2. "The pandemic has changed our lives drastically, forcing us to adapt to a new way of living." 3. "Sheila's passion for helping others led her to become a social worker, impacting the lives of many disadvantaged individuals." 4. "I'm grateful to have such supportive friends in my life who have been with me through all the ups and downs." 5. "The author's compelling novel explores the complex inner lives of its characters, making it a thought-provoking read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have had enough of career politicians in three parties who don't even understand the problems they face in their everyday lives.

The Guardian

This ruling will save lives by forcing the government to finally take this issue seriously.

The Guardian

You have allowed me to share your lives with you.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Austerity, poverty and exclusion risk robbing an entire generation of healthy, productive lives across a continent that undervalues the benefits of universal healthcare.

The Guardian

Anelay said: "The government believes the most effective way to prevent refugees and migrants attempting this dangerous crossing is to focus our attention on countries of origin and transit, as well as taking steps to fight the people smugglers who wilfully put lives at risk by packing migrants into unseaworthy boats".

The Guardian

When leaving a message on this page, please be sensitive to the fact that you are responding to a real person in the grip of a real-life dilemma, who wrote to Private Lives asking for help, and may well view your comments here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All correspondence should reach us by Tuesday morning: email [email protected] (please don't send attachments) or write to Private Lives, The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's an increase that the companies can easily tolerate, and it would make a significant difference in the lives of low-wage workers.

The Economist

On a composite "healthy lives" score, which includes deaths among infants and patients who would have survived had they received timely and effective healthcare, the UK came 10th.

The Guardian

"Ahmedabad is the only city with an early warning system for heat in South Asia because they saw infants and babies die, and then put the dots together during a crisis," says Jaiswal. "Temperatures in Mumbai are already high, so we think an early warning system would benefit many, and save lives.

The Guardian

The issue is a political hot potato in a country forever debating the power of Europe to legislate our lives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of events or policies, use "lives" to highlight the direct effect on people's well-being and experiences. For instance, "The new law significantly improved the lives of low-income families."

Common error

Avoid using "lives" when referring to a single instance of existence. "Life" is singular, "live" is a verb, and "lives" is plural. For example, "He dedicated his life to science," not "He dedicated his lives to science."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lives" is a plural noun, representing multiple instances of existence or the collective experiences of individuals. It often serves as the object of a verb, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, such as "saving countless lives".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "lives" functions primarily as a plural noun, denoting multiple instances of existence or the collective experiences of individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Arts, the term maintains a neutral formality, rendering it suitable for both formal and informal communication settings. To avoid common pitfalls, ensure "lives" is used only when referring to multiple existences. For similar concepts, consider alternatives such as "ways of living" or "life stories" to add nuance to your writing. Its high frequency and diverse application make "lives" a crucial term in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individual existences

Emphasizes the separate and unique nature of each person's life.

life stories

Indicates the narratives and accounts of individual existences.

personal histories

Highlights the unique backgrounds, events, and developments that shape an individual's existence.

ways of living

Focuses on the manner or style in which people conduct their daily routines and activities.

real-world existences

Underscores the practical and tangible aspects of life, as opposed to theoretical or imagined scenarios.

modes of existence

Highlights the different forms or states in which people or beings exist.

quality of life

Focuses on the overall well-being, satisfaction, and happiness experienced in daily living.

human experiences

Emphasizes the various events, feelings, and perceptions that make up a person's life.

human conditions

Encompasses the general circumstances, challenges, and experiences shared by all people.

daily routines

Refers specifically to the regular activities and habits that fill a person's day.

FAQs

How can I use "lives" in a sentence?

Use "lives" to refer to the plural form of "life", indicating multiple existences or experiences. For example, "The doctor dedicated her life to saving lives."

What are some alternatives to the word "lives"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ways of living", "life stories", or "personal histories".

Is it correct to say "lives" when referring to a general concept of existence?

Yes, "lives" is correct when referring to multiple instances of existence or the collective experiences of individuals. For example, "Technology has transformed our lives" is correct.

What's the difference between "life" and "lives"?

"Life" refers to a single instance of existence or a general concept, while "lives" refers to multiple instances of existence. For example, "Her life was dedicated to helping others" (singular) vs. "The war claimed many lives" (plural).