routine existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "routine existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a life that is characterized by regular, predictable, and often monotonous activities or experiences. Example: "After years of living a routine existence, she decided it was time to seek adventure and change her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But Luther would not settle for the anonymous and routine existence of a monk.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr F is shaken out of his routine existence when he starts to have a recurring dream featuring a beautiful, athletic youth, who has somehow ended up in his white-tiled bathroom.

The Guardian - Books

"The Sculptor's Funeral" is one instance; another is "Paul's Case," the widely anthologized story of a young aesthete who chooses self-annihilation over the dreariness of a routine existence.

The New Yorker

Through his preference for varied, creative and eclectic international wanderings, he had condemned himself to being unsuited for the confines of any routine existence.

Forbes

Families typically encounter caregiving after a traumatic event, in this film it is Anne's stroke that unsettles the satisfying routine existence of this octogenarian couple living in Paris.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

(You can imagine Wilde saying, "I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for mental exaltation").

The New Yorker

"The person who practises ecotourism has the opportunity of immersing him or herself in nature in a way that most people cannot enjoy in their routine, urban existences.

The Guardian - Travel

"The main point is that the person who practices eco-tourism has the opportunity of immersing him or herself in nature in a way that most people cannot enjoy in their routine urban existences," he told one ecology journal.

BBC

After the May 1968 student demonstrations, "Metro-boulot-dodo" ("subway, job, beddy-bye") became a rallying call to express frustration at the stultifying routine of urban existence.

The New York Times - Travel

Of course, even with a top-of-the-line home-theater system and a library of new movies available cheaply at any time, you're ultimately still just watching TV in your living room, subject to a thousand possible interruptions amid your routine, everyday household existence.

Huffington Post

Accordingly, the LT appears to be viewed as normal in that a routine pattern of existence is developed, yet barriers to normalcy include changed physical characteristics, medication requirements and clinic visits [ 18].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "routine existence", consider the connotations it carries: it often implies a lack of excitement or fulfillment. Choose this phrase when you want to emphasize the predictability or monotony of a life.

Common error

Avoid using "routine existence" when you mean to describe a well-structured or disciplined life that is fulfilling. The phrase tends to emphasize the lack of variation and excitement, potentially misrepresenting a positive situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "routine existence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and used to describe a predictable lifestyle. In the examples, it describes something someone is trying to escape or move away from.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "routine existence" is a noun phrase used to describe a predictable and often uneventful life. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While generally neutral in register, it carries a connotation of monotony and lack of excitement. Its usage is more frequent in news and media, although it also appears in encyclopedias and scientific contexts. When choosing this phrase, be mindful of its potential negative implications and consider alternatives like "mundane life" or "ordinary life" if a more neutral tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mundane life

Replaces "routine existence" with emphasis on the boring or uninteresting nature of the life.

ordinary life

Focuses on the typical and unremarkable qualities of the existence, instead of repeating routines.

everyday life

Emphasizes the common and habitual aspects of daily living.

typical existence

Highlights the standard and expected nature of the lifestyle.

predictable life

Stresses the lack of surprises and the consistent pattern of events.

monotonous existence

Draws attention to the repetitive and unchanging character of the life.

uneventful life

Indicates a lack of significant or exciting events.

regular lifestyle

Highlights the consistent habits and patterns in one's way of living.

conventional existence

Implies adherence to established norms and customs.

habitual living

Focuses on actions performed out of habit rather than conscious choice.

FAQs

What does "routine existence" mean?

A "routine existence" describes a life characterized by regular, predictable, and often monotonous activities or experiences. It implies a lack of significant variation or excitement.

How can I describe a life without routines?

To describe a life without routines, you might consider using phrases like "unpredictable life", "spontaneous existence", or "adventurous lifestyle". These suggest a life filled with unexpected events and lacking a fixed pattern.

What are some alternatives to "routine existence"?

You can use alternatives like "mundane life", "ordinary life", or "everyday life" depending on the context.

Is "routine existence" always negative?

While "routine existence" often carries a negative connotation due to its implication of monotony, it can be neutral depending on the context. For some, a routine can provide comfort and stability. However, the phrase generally emphasizes the lack of excitement or change.