ordinary life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'ordinary life' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a lifestyle that is mundane, repetitive, and/or routine. For example, "After years of being on the road, all he wanted was to return to his ordinary life back home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ordinary life dragged.

The Economist

Ordinary life is everlasting.

The Guardian - Arts

Ordinary life desires.

The New Yorker

Wolfe isn't interested in ordinary life.

The New Yorker

Ordinary life itself is the mystery.

The New Yorker

"I don't want an ordinary life".

The New York Times

Ordinary life is complex, contradictory, prismatic.

The New Yorker

Still, ordinary life went on.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is an extra-ordinary life!

Huffington Post

Ordinary life skills that we all need".

The Guardian

The Browser interviews Emrys Westacott about philosophy and ordinary life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinary life" to depict the everyday experiences and routines of individuals, contrasting it with extraordinary events or circumstances. It is effective when emphasizing the value or disruption of normalcy.

Common error

Avoid using "ordinary life" in overly sentimental or cliché ways. Overusing it in this manner can diminish its impact and make writing seem unoriginal. Instead, focus on specific details that illustrate the ordinariness, which will resonate more strongly with readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary life" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to the common, uneventful aspects of daily existence. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordinary life" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe the commonplace and routine aspects of daily existence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media. It serves to describe, reflect, or contrast the typical aspects of daily life with extraordinary experiences. While widely accepted, it should be used thoughtfully to avoid clichés and over-sentimentalization, focusing instead on specific details to illustrate its meaning. Related phrases include "commonplace existence" and "typical lifestyle".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonplace existence

Focuses on the routine and unremarkable aspects.

typical lifestyle

Emphasizes the conventional and expected patterns of living.

day-to-day living

Highlights the everyday routines and activities.

mundane routine

Underscores the repetitive and often unexciting nature.

regular existence

Implies a consistent and uneventful pattern of life.

average way of life

Positions the lifestyle as neither exceptional nor deficient.

conventional living

Points out conformity to social norms and expectations.

simple existence

Stresses the lack of complexity and extravagance.

uneventful life

Highlights the absence of significant or exciting occurrences.

normal course of life

Suggests a life that follows the standard or expected trajectory.

FAQs

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

You can use "ordinary life" to describe the daily routines and experiences of an individual, such as, "After years of traveling, he yearned for the simplicity of an "ordinary life" at home".

What are some alternatives to "ordinary life"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "typical lifestyle", "day-to-day living", or "mundane routine" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always positive to describe something as "ordinary life"?

Not necessarily. The connotation of "ordinary life" can vary. It can be positive, representing contentment and stability, or negative, implying boredom or lack of excitement. The context determines its overall meaning.

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

"Ordinary life" generally refers to a commonplace routine and typical experiences, while "simple existence" emphasizes a life free from complexities and material possessions. They are similar but highlight different aspects.