the human condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the human condition' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to the physical and psychological conditions that people experience in life, such as pain, joy, suffering, and mortality. For example: "The human condition is one of both joy and suffering, and no one can escape it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"The human condition is political.

The New York Times - Arts

It's the human condition".

The Guardian

Unhappiness is part of the human condition.

The Guardian

Which is sort of the human condition.

The New York Times

The human condition is off the agenda.

Independent

The human condition is so complex.

The New York Times

Life and the human condition are funny.

The New Yorker

The Human Condition, Mom calls it.

The New Yorker

Bribery is endemic to the human condition.

The New York Times

So much for the human condition.

The New York Times - Books

This is part of the human condition.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the human condition" to introduce broad, philosophical themes in your writing. This can add depth and complexity to your arguments, and allow readers to connect with universal concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "the human condition" as a vague, all-encompassing term. Instead, specify which facets of the human experience you are addressing to prevent generalizations. For example, rather than stating, "The human condition is inherently flawed", consider specifying which aspect of humanity leads to those flaws.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the human condition" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It represents a broad and complex concept, referring to the totality of human experience. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in diverse contexts, from philosophical discussions to artistic interpretations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the human condition" is a common and correct noun phrase used to describe the fundamental aspects of human existence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used in contexts ranging from news and media to scientific and philosophical discussions. Its primary function is to express reflections on shared human experiences, inviting contemplation of universal themes. To use it effectively, consider the specific aspect of human existence you wish to emphasize and avoid overgeneralizations. Related phrases, such as "the nature of humanity" or "the human experience", can offer alternative perspectives depending on the specific nuance you are trying to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the nature of humanity

Focuses on the inherent qualities and characteristics that define humans.

the state of being human

Emphasizes the current situation and circumstances of human existence.

the human experience

Highlights the collective and individual experiences of life as a human.

the plight of mankind

Draws attention to the challenges and struggles faced by humanity.

the human predicament

Stresses the difficult or complex situation that humans find themselves in.

the essence of humanity

Zeroes in on the core attributes and fundamental aspects of human existence.

the lot of humans

Refers to the typical or expected fate and circumstances of human beings.

the human situation

Addresses the overall circumstances and context in which humans exist.

human existence

Simply refers to the fact or state of living as a human.

the way of all flesh

A more poetic way to address what is expected, such as death or decay.

FAQs

How can I use "the human condition" in a sentence?

"The human condition" typically refers to the fundamental aspects of existence such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality. Example: "The novel explores "the human condition" through the lens of war."

What phrases are similar to "the human condition"?

Similar phrases include "the nature of humanity", "the state of being human", and "the human experience". Each carries a nuanced perspective on existence.

Is "the human condition" a formal or informal expression?

"The human condition" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it often appears in philosophical, literary, or academic discussions. Its usage depends on the overall tone and register of your writing.

What does "the human condition" encompass?

"The human condition" encompasses the entirety of human experience, including both the positive aspects like love, joy, and creativity, and the negative aspects like suffering, mortality, and moral dilemmas. It's a broad term that refers to what it means to be human.