Fun with phrases: "in a previous life"

[Benjamin Barrett]

I agree. I don't think anything of this expression.

The important thing about "in a previous life/existence" is that it's the only easy way to express this concept. Victor Steinbok provided a good summation: "usually characterized by a different location, profession or employment, but occasionally also referring to just earlier stages, such college or school years, or periods marked by a cataclysmic event, such as a family member's death, divorce, etc."

I guess you can say "in an earlier stage of my life," but the time for that is now passed.

BTW, I found "previous incarnation" at http://www.learnersdictionary.com/search/incarnation.

Benjamin Barrett
Seattle, WA

On Jul 16, 2012, at 5:23 PM, Jonathan Lighter wrote:

> If "in a previous life" requires a "humorous" label,  shouldn't "in a
> previous existence" require one too?
>
> My theory is that the humor of both has long ago worn thin and that people
> use them neutrally now, rather like "I could care less."

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