mortal coil

USAGE SUMMARY

"mortal coil" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally refers to the short, fragile life of a human being, and can be used to describe the temporary nature of life or a situation. For example: "The heroine was caught in the mortal coil of an oppressive regime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The soul, escaping the mortal coil?

The New Yorker

Shuffle off this mortal coil you c***.

Independent

Jonathan has shuffled off this mortal coil.

The New York Times - Arts

This Mortal Coil - Song To The Siren 14.

The Guardian - Music

It cannot tether me to this mortal coil.

The New Yorker

BoJo's Bard biog shuffles off this mortal coil!

The Guardian - Books

This Mortal Coil do an 80s Top Gun soundtrack.

The Guardian - Music

Can't quite come to terms with leaving this mortal coil?

The New York Times

My favourite is Mortal Coil which is the fifth one.

The Guardian

Frozen in Time Hoping to return to the mortal coil?

The New York Times

The empty spiral became, literally, a six-tiered mortal coil.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mortal coil" to add a touch of philosophical or literary flair to your writing when discussing life, death, or the human body. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

Common error

Avoid using "mortal coil" too frequently in everyday conversations. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious if not used judiciously. Reserve it for more formal or reflective pieces.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mortal coil" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it refers to the physical body and the troubles associated with earthly existence. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mortal coil" is a noun phrase referring to the physical body and the challenges of earthly life. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage is very common, particularly in news and media, where it often adds a philosophical dimension to discussions about life and death. While appropriate for formal or reflective writing, overuse in casual contexts can sound pretentious. Related phrases include "earthly existence" and "physical body". "Shuffle off this mortal coil" is a well-known idiom derived from Shakespeare, meaning to die. When writing, be mindful of the context to maintain the appropriate tone and avoid sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shuffling off this life

Emphasizes the act of dying and leaving this world, similar to the popular usage of "mortal coil".

state of mortality

Directly refers to the condition of being subject to death, mirroring the "mortal" aspect of the original phrase.

earthly existence

Focuses on the worldly aspect of life, similar to the physical body implied by "mortal coil".

transient life

Focuses on the temporary nature of human life, a central theme connected to "mortal coil".

fleeting existence

Similar to transient life, it underlines the brevity and impermanence of being alive.

physical body

Highlights the tangible, corporeal nature of human beings, a key component of the "mortal coil" concept.

human form

Emphasizes the shape and structure of a person, akin to the bodily aspect of "mortal coil".

earthly sojourn

Presents life as a journey on earth, emphasizing its finite duration.

tenement of clay

A more poetic and metaphorical way to describe the body as a temporary dwelling.

human condition

Reflects on the overall experience of being human, including limitations and eventual death implied by the "mortal coil".

FAQs

What does "mortal coil" mean?

The phrase "mortal coil" refers to the physical body and the troubles of earthly life. It often implies a sense of mortality and the burdens associated with living.

How can I use "mortal coil" in a sentence?

You can use "mortal coil" when discussing the physical aspects of life, the challenges of existence, or the transition of death. For example: "He longed to escape the "shackles of his mortal coil"."

What's a more modern way to say "mortal coil"?

While "mortal coil" has a classic feel, you could use phrases like "earthly existence" or "physical body" depending on the context, to convey a similar meaning in a contemporary way.

Is it correct to say "shuffle off this mortal coil"?

Yes, "shuffle off this mortal coil" is a common idiom derived from Shakespeare's Hamlet, meaning to die or to depart from this life.