material existence

USAGE SUMMARY

'material existence' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to physical or tangible things, or to describe a life that focuses on materialism - or wealth, possessions, and physical comforts. For example: The wealthy family was focused on material existence; their only concern was acquiring more money and powerful status.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But when we ask what we mean by saying that God exists, we have to negate aspects of material existence in order to avoid speaking of Him as if he were a contingent being.

SEP

Concrete changes not just people's material existence.

The Guardian

Runa Islam Films that dwell on the facts of material existence.

The Guardian - Arts

The challenges faced by a vegan don't end with the nuts and bolts of material existence.

The New York Times

Myth describes the acts and beings whose appearance shaped material existence in all its concrete specificity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We gave them a material existence as humans, with fears, anger and passions".

The New York Times

It's hard for Westerners or middle-class Indians to relate to this level of material existence.

The New York Times

"Economic history," Professor Mokyr writes in the preface, "covers nothing less than the entire material existence of the human past".

The New York Times

Invoking Allah before killing an animal is simply "acknowledging a spirituality behind all material existence", observes Ruby.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The fundamental idea of Christian Science is that material existence is an illusion; the world is entirely spirit.

The New Yorker

You would have to burrow down to some substrata of my material existence to find the answer to that one.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "material existence" when discussing the physical aspects of life, contrasting it with spiritual or abstract concepts. Ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to the state of being or the physical world itself.

Common error

Avoid using "material existence" solely to denote a lifestyle focused on wealth or possessions. While it can imply materialism, ensure the surrounding text provides sufficient context to prevent misinterpretation. Instead, consider using "materialistic lifestyle" or similar phrases to specifically describe that behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material existence" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object within a sentence, referring to the state of being physical or the tangible world, as evidenced in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "material existence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes the physical or tangible aspects of reality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across a variety of contexts, from news and media to science and encyclopedias. While it can sometimes imply materialism, it's generally used in a neutral to formal register. To avoid ambiguity, consider using alternative phrases like "physical reality" or "concrete existence", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concrete existence

Underscores the definite and real nature of existence.

physical reality

Focuses on the tangible and observable aspects of existence.

objective reality

Focuses on the external, verifiable aspects of existence.

tangible world

Emphasizes the sensory experience of existence.

corporeal being

Highlights the bodily or physical form of existence.

physical universe

Broadens the scope to encompass the entirety of the physical world.

mundane life

Shifts the focus to the everyday, practical aspects of existence.

earthly life

Emphasizes life on Earth, often in contrast to spiritual or afterlife concepts.

phenomenal world

Focuses on existence as it is perceived and experienced.

sensory experience

Highlights the role of the senses in perceiving existence.

FAQs

What does "material existence" mean?

"Material existence" refers to the state of being physical or tangible, often contrasted with spiritual or abstract concepts. It can also refer to a life centered around physical possessions and comforts.

How can I use "material existence" in a sentence?

You might say, "The fundamental idea of Christian Science is that "material existence" is an illusion; the world is entirely spirit" or "The scientific revolution radically altered the conditions of thought and of "material existence"".

What are some synonyms for "material existence"?

Some alternatives include "physical reality", "tangible world", or "concrete existence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "material existence" in formal writing?

Yes, "material existence" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in philosophical, scientific, or academic contexts. It's a well-established term with a clear and specific meaning.