Common Mistakes : Alive

Alive – Adjective

BAD: Every alive creature in the sea is affected by pollution

GOOD: Every living creature in the sea is affected by pollution

alive = not dead: He was very seriously ill and is lucky to be alive

living = (1) alive now: ‘He has no living relatives.’ (2) used to refer to all creatures and things that live and die: ‘Yeast is a living organism and too much heat or cold can kill it.’ The ants will eat any living thing that comes into their path

BAD: Our teacher, Mr Collins, is very alive

GOOD: Our teacher, Mr Collins, is very lively

lively = full of energy: The Yorkshire Terrier is a lively breed of dog

BAD: My reason for being alive had disappeared

GOOD: My reason for living had disappeared

When you mean ‘continue to be alive’, use the verb live : Her grandmother lived to a great age.’ ‘The baby was four months premature and was not expected to live