prolong life

USAGE SUMMARY

"prolong life" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing methods of extending the length of life or trying to live longer in some way. For example, "Many scientists are researching new methods to prolong life and extend our healthspan in old age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Paradoxically, Assisted Dying would prolong life.

Independent

Why are you attempting to prolong life?

The New York Times - Magazine

Are you really sure we need to prolong life?

The Guardian

"We had learned to prolong life, but without quality".

The New York Times

Skeptics also wonder how the drug could prolong life if it did not improve lung function.

The New York Times

Avastin, both studies concluded, did not prolong life for people with cancer of the pancreas.

The New York Times - Health

But there is little evidence they prolong life in healthy men, women or people over 70.

The New York Times - Health

Yet for many patients, there is no scientific evidence that stents or surgery prolong life.

The New York Times

In medicine, there are cases where early diagnosis can save or prolong life.

The New Yorker

Scientists know that very strict low-calorie diets can prolong life.

The New York Times

Some need oxygen, which can help them be more active and prolong life in severe cases.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical advancements, use "prolong life" to highlight how treatments can extend a patient's lifespan, as in, "New therapies aim to prolong life for cancer patients".

Common error

Avoid using "prolong life" without considering the ethical implications. It's crucial to differentiate between simply extending life and ensuring a good quality of life. For example, rather than blindly seeking to prolong life, consider whether the extension comes at the cost of increased suffering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prolong life" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "prolong" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("life"). Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable. The phrase indicates the action of extending the duration of life.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prolong life" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that describes the act of extending someone's lifespan. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While the phrase itself is neutral, it's important to consider the ethical implications when discussing life extension, focusing not just on the length of life, but also its quality. Some alternatives to the phrase include "extend life expectancy", "increase life span" and "lengthen life", each with slightly different nuances. Remember, when using the phrase "prolong life", consider the broader context and the potential impact on an individual's overall well-being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lengthen life

A more direct synonym for making life longer.

extend life expectancy

Focuses on the statistical measure of how long someone is expected to live, rather than the action of lengthening it.

increase life span

Emphasizes increasing the duration of life, slightly different from prolonging, which suggests extending the current duration.

extend survival

Specifically refers to extending the period of survival, often used in medical contexts.

postpone death

A more direct way of saying death is being delayed.

delay mortality

Emphasizes postponing death, rather than extending life itself.

draw out existence

Implies a more gradual and possibly difficult extension of life.

preserve life

Highlights the act of keeping life safe and intact, which can contribute to prolonging it.

sustain existence

Focuses on maintaining life rather than necessarily lengthening it.

maintain viability

Refers to preserving the ability to live and thrive.

FAQs

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

You can use "prolong life" when discussing methods or treatments that extend someone's lifespan, such as "Scientists are working to prolong life through genetic research".

What are some alternatives to saying "prolong life"?

Alternatives include "extend life expectancy", "increase life span", or "lengthen life", depending on the specific context.

Is it always desirable to "prolong life"?

While prolonging life is often a goal, it's essential to consider the quality of life and ethical implications. Sometimes, focusing on comfort and dignity may be more appropriate than aggressive attempts to prolong life at all costs.

What is the difference between "prolong life" and "improve quality of life"?

"Prolong life" refers specifically to extending the duration of someone's existence. "Improve quality of life", on the other hand, focuses on enhancing the overall well-being and comfort during that life. Treatments can prolong life without necessarily improving its quality, and vice versa. It's a trade-off often considered in medicine.