ordinary existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinary existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a typical or unremarkable way of living, often in contrast to extraordinary experiences or events. Example: "After years of traveling the world, she found solace in the simplicity of her ordinary existence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Ordinary existence, to the death-haunted, is populated by ghosts.

The New Yorker

I was soon voyaging into an inner cosmos free from the concerns of ordinary existence.

Independent

Rarely has ordinary existence seemed so multifaceted and enigmatic, even in its banal everyday details.

The New York Times

A tranche de vie, "slice of life," is a literary representation of ordinary existence.

The New York Times - Magazine

An art museum, for example, is designated as a place apart from the zones of ordinary existence.

The New York Times

They argue for the high value of ordinary existence, with its mixed motives and resistance to simplification.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The cinema should be human and be part of people's lives; it should focus on ordinary existences in sometimes extraordinary situations and places.

The Guardian - Film

Indeed, today the vast majority of the mentally ill lead perfectly ordinary existences and have no need of hospitalization.

Vice

Older than AR and VR, and currently slightly out of favor, alternate reality games use the real world as a platform, and imbue ordinary, unaugmented existence with secret meaning and purpose, by sending cryptic messages, delivering mysterious packages, leaving hidden clues that only initiates will recognize, etcetera.

TechCrunch

That life, my ordinary everyday existence, seemed so safe and contained now.

The Guardian - Travel

Communicating in code is one way message-board habitués put themselves at odds with ordinary offline existence.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinary existence" to set a baseline before introducing elements of change, conflict, or transcendence in a narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "ordinary existence" in predictable contexts. Instead, explore more nuanced language to describe the specific qualities of the everyday life you're depicting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary existence" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, describing the general state or quality of living a routine or unremarkable life. Ludwig's examples show it often contrasts with extraordinary or exceptional situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordinary existence" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase primarily used to depict a typical or unremarkable way of living, contrasting it with exceptional circumstances. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. Related phrases like "mundane existence" or "common life" offer nuanced alternatives, while avoiding clichés is crucial for effective writing. Remember to use it to set a baseline before introducing a change in the narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mundane existence

Replaces "ordinary" with "mundane", emphasizing the routine and uneventful nature.

common life

Substitutes "existence" with the broader term "life", focusing on the typical aspects of living.

everyday life

Emphasizes the daily and routine aspects of existence.

regular life

Uses "regular" instead of "ordinary", highlighting the normalcy and lack of exceptional events.

typical existence

Highlights the representative or standard nature of the life being described.

normal life

Focuses on the normalcy and lack of unusual experiences.

workaday world

Highlights the routine and often unglamorous nature of daily work and life.

uneventful life

Emphasizes the lack of significant or exciting events.

simple life

Highlights the uncomplex and uncomplicated nature of existence.

average existence

Focuses on the life being typical and conforming to the mean.

FAQs

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

You can use "ordinary existence" to describe a typical or unremarkable way of living. For example, "After years of traveling, she craved the simplicity of her "ordinary existence"."

What are some alternatives to "ordinary existence"?

Alternatives include "mundane existence", "common life", or "everyday life", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "ordinary existence" and "simple life"?

"Ordinary existence" generally refers to the typical or unremarkable nature of life, while "simple life" emphasizes a life that is uncomplicated and free from excess.

Is it correct to say "an ordinary existence" or "ordinary existence"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "ordinary existence" is more commonly used as a general concept. "An ordinary existence" is appropriate when referring to a specific instance of such a life.