over the course of a lifetime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over the course of a lifetime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to events, changes, or experiences that occur throughout a person's entire life. Example: "Over the course of a lifetime, one can accumulate a wealth of knowledge and experience that shapes their perspective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Over the course of a lifetime".

The New York Times

But how do your individual emissions change over the course of a lifetime?

The New York Times

Over the course of a lifetime, the human body generates roughly 100 billion different antibodies.

MIT Technology Review

But everyone's personality changes over the course of a lifetime, usually gradually.

The Guardian

So you cultivate these habits of good writing, really, over the course of a lifetime.

Harvard Business Review

Is each of us one person or, over the course of a lifetime, many?

The New Yorker

Activist in Jewish and Zionist causes over the course of a lifetime.

The New York Times

Over the course of a lifetime, the rates are much higher, he said.

The New York Times

The earning power of a professional golfer is far greater over the course of a lifetime.

The New York Times - Sports

One in six people worldwide will experience depression over the course of a lifetime.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Over the course of a lifetime, that adds up to about two extra years.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing long-term impacts or cumulative effects, use "over the course of a lifetime" to emphasize the extended duration and the accumulation of changes or experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "over the course of a lifetime" when referring to shorter periods or isolated events. This phrase specifically indicates processes or changes that occur throughout an entire life, not just during specific moments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over the course of a lifetime" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It specifies the timeframe in which an action, process, or state occurs. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "over the course of a lifetime" is a grammatically correct and very common adverbial phrase used to emphasize long-term, cumulative processes or experiences. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is widespread across various contexts, including news media, academia, and scientific publications. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it is crucial to use it accurately, ensuring that the timeframe genuinely encompasses an entire life. Alternatives such as "throughout one's life" or "during a lifetime" can be used for conciseness, but it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throughout one's life

This alternative is more concise and directly refers to the duration of someone's existence.

during a lifetime

This alternative is similar but slightly less formal than the original phrase.

in one's lifetime

This alternative emphasizes events occurring within a single person's span of existence.

over a person's life

This alternative is more direct and less idiomatic.

during the span of one's life

This alternative adds emphasis on the duration and extent of life.

throughout the duration of life

This alternative emphasizes the entirety of life's duration.

in the journey of life

This alternative uses a metaphor to describe life as a journey.

as life unfolds

This alternative focuses on the progressive and developmental aspect of life.

from birth to death

This alternative directly states the beginning and end of life.

in the long run

This alternative captures the idea of a long period, but it's less specific to an individual's life.

FAQs

How can I use "over the course of a lifetime" in a sentence?

You can use "over the course of a lifetime" to describe changes, experiences, or accumulations that happen throughout someone's entire life. For example, "Over the course of a lifetime, a person's perspective can change significantly."

What can I say instead of "over the course of a lifetime"?

You can use alternatives like "throughout one's life", "during a lifetime", or "in one's lifetime" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "during a lifetime" and "over the course of a lifetime"?

While both phrases refer to the duration of someone's life, "over the course of a lifetime" often emphasizes the gradual accumulation of changes or experiences, while "during a lifetime" is a more general reference to events occurring at any point in someone's life.

Is it appropriate to use "over the course of a lifetime" in formal writing?

Yes, "over the course of a lifetime" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is widely used in academic, news, and general contexts, as shown by the examples from Ludwig.