marked for life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marked for life" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe something or someone that has been permanently impacted or affected by an event or experience. Example: "After surviving a traumatic car accident, Sarah was marked for life with physical and emotional scars." In this sentence, the phrase "marked for life" implies that Sarah's experience has left a lasting impact on her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He was marked for life.

The Guardian - Books

"He comes out but he is marked for life".

The New York Times

Villages have been burned, and women have been raped and marked for life.

The New York Times

But everyone who enters the criminal justice system can be marked for life.

The New York Times

She'd been afraid that he was one of those men who were marked for life when they were hurt.

The New Yorker

They're more on par with other teams, who have upward of 70percentt of their rosters marked for life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

One could say that it marked them for life.

The New Yorker

I suspect that hat marked me for life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At eight she was sent away to boarding school, an experience that marked her for life.

The Guardian - Books

Nina Munk, one of his five children, says that his first experience of failure marked him for life.

The Economist

Somehow, it's an appropriate setting for a man whose background has marked him for life as a citizen musician.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marked for life" when you want to emphasize the lasting and often profound impact of an event, experience, or characteristic on a person or thing.

Common error

Avoid using "marked for life" for temporary effects; the phrase implies a lasting, often irreversible change. If the impact is short-term, choose a different expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marked for life" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to modify a noun or pronoun, indicating a permanent or lasting impact. Ludwig shows examples where the phrase describes the lasting effects of trauma, experiences, or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "marked for life" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a lasting impact or change, often due to a significant event or experience. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and appears in various contexts, primarily in news and media. While it can denote negative consequences, it does not inherently imply trauma, making it suitable for describing any permanent influence. Remember to use it when emphasizing the enduring nature of the effect. Alternative phrases, such as "forever changed" or "permanently affected", can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Scarred for life

Replaces "marked" with "scarred", emphasizing the negative or traumatic impact.

Forever changed

Focuses on the resulting change rather than the act of marking.

Permanently affected

Emphasizes the lasting effect on something or someone.

Lastingly impacted

Similar to "permanently affected", but uses "impacted".

Indelibly imprinted

Suggests a deep and lasting impression.

Influenced forever

Highlights the ongoing influence of an event or experience.

Eternally defined

Implies that something has shaped someone's identity permanently.

Shaped irrevocably

Focuses on the irreversible nature of the shaping.

Inalterably transformed

Emphasizes the transformation as unchangeable.

Rendered unforgotten

Highlights that a memory will last.

FAQs

How can I use "marked for life" in a sentence?

You can use "marked for life" to describe a lasting impact from an event, such as, "The war "marked him for life"." It implies a permanent change.

What's a good alternative to "marked for life"?

Alternatives include "forever changed", "permanently affected", or "indelibly imprinted". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "marked for life" in formal writing?

Yes, "marked for life" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a significant, lasting impact. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What's the difference between "scarred for life" and "marked for life"?

"Marked for life" is broader and can refer to any lasting impact, while "scarred for life" typically refers to a negative or traumatic experience that leaves emotional or psychological scars.