precious existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precious existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the value or significance of life or being, often in a philosophical or emotional context. Example: "In moments of reflection, I often contemplate the beauty of my precious existence and the experiences that shape who I am."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nevertheless, these sad final words emphasise a very important hidden benefit of swearing: from birthing mothers with brand-new babies to the last few moments of precious existence, swearing is, quite literally, the language of life and death.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We're not being precious about the existence of our organisation.

The Guardian

Such fragility belies the fact that this glistening carapace houses some of the most precious artworks in existence, selected from the core collection of the 200-year-old Parisian institution.

The Guardian - Arts

In its varied forms — from the mysterious brains of octopuses and the swarm-minds of ants to Go-playing deep learning machines and driverless-car autopilots — intelligence is the most powerful and precious resource in existence.

TechCrunch

It is very hard to turn down an emotional appeal to have these precious first moments of existence recorded for posterity, even when most parents have probably got a perfectly decent camera in their hospital bag.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Can existence not exist?

WikiHow

In this production she's Bryant's Billie Holiday, the vulnerable diva who is allowed the dignity of tolerating the violence of her boyfriend because it's the only twisted affection she's ever known; she's to be understood as too good for the cruelty of existence, as too precious to stay long in the world.

The Guardian

"I came back to the US with this burning desire to improve the lives of others," he said, arriving at the field of human intelligence because he believes it to be "the most precious and powerful resource in existence".

Vice

"For him to live that long, in an existence that dramatic, is precious," said Doan Viet Hoat, a friend and fellow democracy activist.

Los Angeles Times

Richard Lowry, the editor of National Review, called the "kerfluffle" "precious and overwrought," adding that its very existence proved the vigor of intellectual engagement.

The New York Times

The coins will bear the likeness of Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829), the British chemist who first recognized the existence of "God's most precious metal," as Mr. O'Neill put it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precious existence" to emphasize the profound value and delicate nature of life, particularly when discussing philosophical or emotional themes. Consider using it in contexts where the brevity or vulnerability of life is a central focus.

Common error

Avoid using "precious existence" in everyday conversations or informal writing. Its gravitas and somewhat formal tone can sound out of place in casual contexts, where simpler expressions like "cherished life" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precious existence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "precious" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "existence". It describes the quality or characteristic of existence as being highly valued or cherished. Ludwig shows that it is used to emphasize the significance of life.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precious existence" is a grammatically correct phrase used to convey the value and importance of life. Ludwig indicates that its usage is relatively rare but valid, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. While it effectively emphasizes the significance of being, it's essential to consider the context and choose alternatives like "cherished life" or "valuable being" in more casual settings. Understanding its specific connotations ensures its appropriate and impactful use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cherished life

Replaces "precious" with "cherished", highlighting the emotional value and care associated with life.

valuable being

Substitutes both words to focus on the inherent worth of a living entity.

treasured life

Emphasizes the deep affection and importance attached to someone's life.

irreplaceable life

Highlights the uniqueness and impossibility of replicating a particular life.

priceless being

Suggests that the value of the existence is beyond any monetary measure.

sacred existence

Elevates the concept of life to a higher, almost religious level of importance.

fragile existence

Highlights the vulnerability and delicate nature of life.

fleeting life

Emphasizes the short and transient nature of life.

transient being

Focuses on the temporary nature of existence.

unique life

Highlights the singularity and individuality of a life.

FAQs

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

You can use "precious existence" to refer to the value and importance of life, especially when discussing philosophical or emotional themes. For example: "We must cherish this "precious existence" and make the most of every moment."

What are some alternatives to "precious existence"?

Some alternatives include "cherished life", "valuable being", or "treasured life", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "precious existence"?

It is most appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize the profound value and often fragile nature of life, such as in philosophical discussions, eulogies, or reflective essays.

Is "precious existence" a common phrase in English?

While grammatically correct, "precious existence" is not a very common phrase. Alternatives like "cherished life" or "valuable being" are more frequently used.