When it comes to using the words lives or lifes, many people can get confused. Is it possible that both forms are correct? Or is one of them grammatically incorrect?
In this post, we’ll explore the differences between lives and lifes, discussing when to use each word to avoid confusion.
Introduction: Lives or Lifes?
Imagine you’re writing a heartfelt note about the multiple experiences of people from different walks of life.
You want to talk about their “lives,” but suddenly, you wonder—should it be lives or lifes? It’s a common question, and the answer may not be as complicated as you think.
Let’s dive into the meanings and uses of both terms to clear things up.
Understanding Lives and Lifes
Lives: Definition and Usage
Lives is the correct plural form of the word life. It refers to more than one life, be it the existence of humans, animals, or anything else living.
For example:
- “Doctors save lives every day.”
- “The lives of animals in the wild can be fascinating to observe.”
In addition to being the plural of life, lives can also be used as a verb, meaning the third-person singular form of live.
For example:
- “She lives in New York.”
- “He lives a peaceful life in the countryside.”
Lifes: Definition and Usage
The word lifes does not exist in the English language. Life in its plural form is always spelled lives. Many people mistakenly use lifes, likely because most English nouns form plurals by adding -s or -es.
However, this is not the case with the word life. Instead of saying lifes, the correct plural is always lives.
For instance:
- Incorrect: “The lifes of many people were changed that day.”
- Correct: “The lives of many people were changed that day.”
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Lives | Lifes |
| Definition | Plural of life; also third-person singular of live | Incorrect form (not used in English) |
| Common Usage | “He dedicated his life to improving the lives of others.” | “The lifes of these animals are in danger.” (incorrect) |
| Key Differences | Lives is the correct plural form | Lifes is grammatically incorrect |
When to Use Lives vs. Lifes
- Use lives when you are talking about more than one life, whether referring to humans, animals, or other living beings.
- Avoid lifes entirely, as it is not a recognized word in English.
Remember, if you are unsure, stick with lives—it’s always the correct form!
Everyday Usage Examples
Here are some examples of how lives is used in everyday language:
- “The rescue mission saved dozens of lives.”
- “Their lives changed forever after the hurricane.”
- “The cat lives comfortably in her new home.”
- “Teachers have the power to influence the lives of their students.”
- “The farmer cares deeply about the lives of the animals on his farm.”
- “She lives a happy and fulfilling life.”
Conclusion
To sum it up, lives is the correct plural form of life, and it can also function as the third-person singular form of the verb live.
On the other hand, lifes is not a word you should use. Anytime you are talking about more than one life, the appropriate term is always lives.
By remembering this simple rule, you can confidently avoid any mistakes when writing about the existence and experiences of people, animals, or other living things.