question of life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question of life" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing philosophical, existential, or significant issues related to human existence or the nature of life itself. Example: "The question of life has puzzled philosophers for centuries, leading to various interpretations and beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a question of life.

The Guardian - Film

Then there is the question of life.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a question of life and death for these people".

The New York Times

It was often a question of life and death.

Independent

It was a question of life or death.

Independent

This year, Hasbro is asking the same question of Life.

The New Yorker

Poland is a question of life and death for Russia".

The Guardian

By making a photograph, you ask a question of life.

The Guardian - Arts

Winning the election seems to be a question of life and death for Mr Yanukovych.

The Economist

The question of life on Mars isn't the crucial one, and it's only the start.

The New York Times

"The Search for Life: Are We Alone?" raises the question of life beyond Earth.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "question of life" when referring to broad, philosophical inquiries about existence, purpose, or meaning. Avoid using it in contexts where a specific, practical question is being asked.

Common error

Avoid using "question of life" when a simpler, more direct question is appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The question of life is whether to buy a car", say "Should I buy a car?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question of life" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, introducing a theme of philosophical or existential inquiry. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase initiates or concludes a thought, focusing on existence or purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Books

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "question of life" is a versatile noun phrase widely used across various domains, particularly in news, science, and the arts. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it functions to initiate discussions about fundamental aspects of human existence. It commonly appears in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When writing, it’s important to reserve "question of life" for broad, philosophical inquiries and avoid overusing it in contexts where simpler questions suffice. Consider using alternatives like "meaning of existence" or "purpose of living" for a more nuanced approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental life question

Highlights the foundational nature of the inquiry.

considering life's big questions

Emphasizes the importance and breadth of the topics being considered.

meaning of existence

Shifts the focus to the purpose and significance of being.

purpose of living

Emphasizes the intention or goal behind one's life.

reason for being

Explores the underlying cause or justification for existence.

existential inquiry

Focuses specifically on the philosophical aspect of questioning existence.

philosophical life questions

Specifically frames the inquiry within a philosophical context.

quest for meaning

Highlights the active search for purpose and significance.

pondering life's mysteries

Focuses on the enigmatic and unexplained aspects of life.

the human condition

Broadens the scope to encompass the entirety of human experience.

FAQs

How can I use "question of life" in a sentence?

Use "question of life" to refer to profound inquiries about existence, purpose, or meaning. For instance, "The "question of life" has been pondered by philosophers for centuries".

What's a more concise way to express the "question of life"?

Alternatives include "meaning of existence" or "purpose of living", depending on the specific emphasis you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "question of life" in everyday conversation?

It's generally suitable for discussions about profound or existential topics. However, avoid using it in casual conversation where a simpler question would suffice.

What's the difference between "question of life" and "fact of life"?

"Question of life" refers to an inquiry about the meaning or purpose of existence, while "fact of life" refers to something that is an unavoidable reality.