living

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "living" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often relating to the state of being alive or the act of residing in a particular place. Example: "She has a passion for living life to the fullest, embracing every opportunity that comes her way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Being able to live in a stable home is a basic human need, tied up with important feelings of choice and certainty, and we are living in a world now where only a few can hope for that, which cannot be right".

The Guardian - Business

The Live Better Challenge is funded by Unilever; its focus is sustainable living.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The displaced groups were expected to be living in the tents for up to eight weeks and authorities won't know until Cyclone Nathan has passed whether damage caused is likely to extend that.

The Guardian

Which living person do you most despise, and why?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I could be living in a palace petting a phoenix by now.

The Guardian

Which living person do you most admire, and why?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This is because the state would not pay for people to buy their food or pay their mortgage or their rent if they were living at home".

The Guardian

The pupil premium is great, but not much help if you are being evicted because of the bedroom tax, or living in a substandard or unsafe home, or missing out on a good breakfast.

The Guardian - Opinion

With more than 70% of the poor now living, or expected to live in middle-income countries, these regions would be likely targets for investment.

The Guardian

That is a hefty hit on people living on very low incomes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "living" when emphasizing the process or experience of being alive, rather than merely stating existence. Consider the difference between "being alive" and "living life to the fullest".

Common error

Avoid using "living" when the base verb "live" is required. For instance, instead of "I am living in New York next year", use "I will live in New York next year."

Linguistic Context

The word "living" functions primarily as a present participle or a gerund, often modifying nouns or acting as a noun itself. As Ludwig AI states, its grammatical status is correct. Examples show its use in describing states ("living in poverty") or actions ("living life to the fullest").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "living" is a versatile word most often used as a present participle or gerund, carrying the meaning of being alive or dwelling in a place. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status. Examples curated by Ludwig highlight its common usage in News & Media and Lifestyle contexts. Related terms include "being alive", "existing", and "surviving", each bringing subtle nuances. When writing, remember to distinguish between "living" (a state or activity) and "live" (the base verb). The word "living" appears frequently in well-regarded publications such as The Guardian and The New York Times, emphasizing its widespread acceptance and use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being alive

Focuses specifically on the state of being alive, omitting broader connotations of lifestyle or livelihood.

existing

Emphasizes the fact of existence, often in a more general or abstract sense.

surviving

Highlights the act of staying alive, especially under difficult circumstances.

residing

Specifies the act of living in a particular place.

dwelling

Similar to residing, but often implies a more permanent or settled existence.

making a living

Refers specifically to earning money to support oneself.

life

A broader term encompassing all aspects of existence, not just the act of being alive.

lifestyle

Focuses on the way someone lives, including their habits and choices.

way of life

Similar to lifestyle, but often refers to a more traditional or culturally specific way of living.

quality of life

Emphasizes the overall well-being and satisfaction associated with one's living conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "living" in a sentence?

You can use "living" to describe the state of being alive, as in "the living creatures of the forest", or to describe residing somewhere, as in "they are living in a small town".

What are some synonyms for "living" as an adjective?

Some synonyms for "living" as an adjective include "alive", "extant", or "existing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "living" and "alive"?

"Living" is often used as a present participle or adjective to describe something currently in the state of being alive, whereas "alive" is strictly an adjective. For example, "a living organism" versus "the organism is alive".

Is it correct to say "living standard" or should I use another term?

"Living standard" is a perfectly acceptable and common term, often used interchangeably with "standard of living" to describe the level of comfort and wealth available to a person or community.