within our lifetime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within our lifetime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to events or changes that are expected to occur during the span of a person's life. Example: "Scientists believe that we may find a cure for cancer within our lifetime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It's within our lifetime.

The New York Times

Not, say, "around 2050" or "within our lifetime".

The New York Times

"Conventional cameras may get squeezed out within our lifetime," Mr. Almeida of Fuji said.

The New York Times

Chinese wealth is financing a hunger for ivory that threatens to bring an end to wild elephants within our lifetime.

The Guardian

He has previously warned that the "catastrophe" facing rhinos and other species could make them extinct within our lifetime.

Independent

Also within our lifetime, people have found art in their ordinary lives; they don't necessarily feel the need to go to museums and galleries anymore.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

And it may not be done within our lifetimes".

The New York Times

It is more than possible for Africa to catch up significantly, and within our lifetimes.

The Guardian

Within our lifetimes, we could stop any child, anywhere, dying as Umi did last week.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems that the Arctic is going to be a very different place within our lifetimes, and certainly within our childrens' lifetimes".

The Guardian

"There is nothing else in Nicaragua that could achieve that within our lifetimes – and it is within grasp.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "within our lifetime" to emphasize that an event is likely to happen in the foreseeable future, creating a sense of urgency or relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "within our lifetime" for events that are highly speculative or lack a solid basis. Overusing it can weaken the impact of the phrase and make your predictions sound less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within our lifetime" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or entire clauses to specify a timeframe. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. It indicates that an event is expected to occur during the current lifespan.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "within our lifetime" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier to indicate a timeframe within the current lifespan. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English. It is frequently employed in contexts such as News & Media and Science to express expectations and predictions, often emphasizing urgency and relevance. While versatile, overuse can diminish its impact. Alternatives like "in our time" and "in our generation" exist, providing slightly different nuances. By avoiding vague predictions and understanding its appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "within our lifetime" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in our time

Replaces 'lifetime' with 'time', offering a more general sense of the present era.

in our generation

Specifies the current generation as the timeframe, rather than individual lifetimes.

in our day

Similar to 'in our time', but with a slightly more old-fashioned feel.

during our existence

Emphasizes the period of being alive, both individually and collectively.

in our living years

Highlights the years we are currently living, suggesting events will happen before we die.

while we are alive

Directly states that the events will occur while we are still living.

during our watch

Implies a responsibility to observe or influence the events that occur.

in this era

Focuses on the current period, which may extend beyond individual lifetimes.

in the present age

Similar to 'in this era', emphasizing the contemporary period.

in our adult lives

Specifies that events will occur during the time when we are adults.

FAQs

How can I use "within our lifetime" in a sentence?

Use "within our lifetime" to indicate that something is expected to occur during the span of the current generation's lives. For example, "Scientists predict that a cure for Alzheimer's may be discovered "within our lifetime"".

What are some alternatives to "within our lifetime"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in our time", "in our generation", or "during our existence". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey. For instance, "in our time" may be more general, while "in our generation" specifically refers to the current generation.

Is it correct to say "in our lifetime" instead of "within our lifetime"?

Both "in our lifetime" and "within our lifetime" are grammatically correct and widely used. However, "within our lifetime" often carries a stronger sense of immediacy or likelihood. Using "in our lifetime" may make the statement sound more general. Ultimately, both phrases are interchangeable.

What implications does using "within our lifetime" have?

Using "within our lifetime" implies a relatively near-term expectation. It suggests that the speaker believes the event is likely to happen while current living people are still alive, lending a sense of realism and urgency to the statement. Be mindful of overusing it, as excessive use might dilute its impact.