this earthly existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this earthly existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing life, mortality, or the human experience in a philosophical or reflective context. Example: "Many people ponder the meaning of this earthly existence and what lies beyond it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

While it's perfectly natural to seek a friend for the end of world, under the circumstances you might also want a philosopher on hand too, someone to help you come up with at least a working theory of what this earthly existence was all about.

The New York Times

I believe in rational thinking and that this Earthly existence is it for us.

Los Angeles Times

This earthly existence keeps derailing the "for sure's", keeps throwing curve balls our way, keeps nixing our perfect plans and visions, and instead nudges, forces, coaxes, calls, yells, whispers and pushes us to: let it go.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Though the body is not resurrected after its corruption, the soul survives and retains all the individual characteristics, perfections or imperfections, that it achieved in its earthly existence and in this sense is rewarded or punished for its past deeds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This guy, at some point in his earthly existence, must have been truly evil, possibly Hitlerian". It's true, he's in trouble.

The New York Times - Books

Memling, a 15th century German-born painter who worked in the tradition of Early Netherlandish painting, created this epic triptych comparing the beautiful luxuries of earthly existence with the looming prospects of death and eternal hell.

HuffPost

This isn't about home as house, it's about home as earthly existence.

The New Yorker

First, he casts doubt on the very existence of a life beyond our earthly existence; second, he says that based on our very experience in this world, all things seem to perish and not return.

SEP

What awaits us at the end of our earthly existence?

The New York Times

Sometimes, when their essence is shown, beauty appears, and that transcends their earthly existence.

University of California, Berkeley

Rishabhanatha attained moksha (release from earthly existence) on Mount Kailas in the Himalayas, the home of the Hindu god Shiva.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this earthly existence" when discussing philosophical or spiritual themes related to human life and its limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "this earthly existence" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this earthly existence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to refer to the state of being alive on Earth.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

33%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this earthly existence" is grammatically sound but rare in general usage. According to Ludwig AI, it's primarily used in philosophical and reflective contexts, particularly within news media and encyclopedic entries. The phrase serves to prompt contemplation on life, mortality, and the human condition. While grammatically correct, it's best to avoid in casual settings. Alternatives like "this mortal coil" or "our time on Earth" can offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while acceptable, careful consideration of context is important when employing the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this mortal coil

Refers to the troubles and complexities of human life.

this temporal life

Emphasizes the fleeting and transient nature of life on Earth.

our time on Earth

A more straightforward way of referring to the duration of life.

this physical existence

Focuses on the material and tangible aspects of life.

this worldly life

Highlights the earthly, as opposed to spiritual, aspects of existence.

human experience

Broader term encompassing all aspects of living as a human.

life on this planet

Focuses on the biological aspect of living on Earth

our brief existence

Highlights the short duration of human life

the human condition

General phrase referring to human life and circumstances.

our sojourn on Earth

Implies that life is a temporary journey.

FAQs

How can I use "this earthly existence" in a sentence?

You can use "this earthly existence" to discuss the nature of life, mortality, or the human experience, such as, "Many people ponder the meaning of "this earthly existence" and what lies beyond it."

What phrases are similar to "this earthly existence"?

Similar phrases include "this mortal coil", "this temporal life", or "our time on Earth".

Is "this earthly existence" formal or informal?

The phrase "this earthly existence" leans towards the formal side and is best used in philosophical or reflective contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "this earthly existence"?

It's appropriate when discussing life, mortality, or spiritual themes in a thoughtful or contemplative way. Avoid using it in everyday conversation where it might sound out of place.