our lives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our lives" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the collective lives of two or more people, particularly in the context of shared experiences. For example: "We have been friends for many years, and have shared so many highs and lows throughout our lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All our lives are!

The Guardian

Our lives were simple.

The New Yorker

"April ruled our lives.

BBC

Pearl of our lives.

The New York Times

Live our lives.

The New York Times

We left our lives".

The New York Times - Sports

Overnight, our lives changed.

The New York Times

That was our lives.

The New Yorker

Our lives are financialised.

Independent

It's our lives".

The New York Times

Our lives avoided tragedy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "our lives", ensure the context clearly indicates whose lives are being referred to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the group or relationship if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "our lives" in overly broad or philosophical contexts where it loses specific meaning. Instead, focus on concrete experiences or aspects of life that are relevant to your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our lives" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "our" is a possessive pronoun modifying the noun "lives". As evidenced by Ludwig, it serves to denote the collective existence or experiences of a group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our lives" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer to the collective existence or experiences of a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and versatile, fitting various contexts. It's frequently found in news and media, expressing shared experiences and destinies. When using "our lives", ensure context provides clarity on whose lives are being discussed to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, avoid overly broad uses where specificity is lost. Considering these guidelines will help ensure effective communication when using the phrase "our lives".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our existence

Focuses more on the state of being rather than the experiences within those lives.

our shared experiences

Highlights the common events and interactions that shape lives together.

our collective journey

Emphasizes the progression and shared path through life.

the way we live

Shifts focus to the manner and style in which lives are conducted.

our time on earth

Highlights the finite nature and earthly aspect of existence.

our days

Simplifies the concept to individual periods of time experienced.

our history together

Refers to the past events and development of lives shared.

our combined stories

Emphasizes the narratives and experiences that constitute lives.

our being

A more philosophical and abstract way to refer to the state of existence.

the human condition we share

Focuses on the universal aspects of human existence and the shared experience of life.

FAQs

How can I use "our lives" in a sentence?

You can use "our lives" to talk about shared experiences, like in the sentence "Our lives have changed since we moved to a new city", or to express a collective destiny, such as "Our lives depend on it, so we must act now".

What are some alternatives to using "our lives"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "our existence", "our shared experiences", or "our collective journey" to express similar ideas.

Is it always clear who "our" refers to when using "our lives"?

Not always. Ensure the context provides clarity on whose lives are being discussed. If there's ambiguity, specify the group or relationship to avoid confusion.

Can "our lives" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "our lives" is suitable for formal writing as long as it is used with precision and clarity. It is frequently found in "News and Media" and Formal & Business writing.