phraseC2
Are we alone in the universe?
/ɑɹ wi əˈloʊn ɪn ðə ˈjunəˌvɝs/People say this to ask whether any living things exist beyond Earth.
It leaves the answer open and does not claim that life beyond Earth exists. It can refer to any life, not only intelligent beings.
EXAMPLES
- After the lecture, Maya asked, “Are we alone in the universe?”
- The team ended its meeting by asking, “Are we alone in the universe?”
- I used to think the answer was obvious, but now I ask, “Are we alone in the universe?”
SYNONYMS
Is there life beyond Earth?Could life exist elsewhere in the universe?Are humans the only living beings in the cosmos?
GRAMMAR
Fixed interrogative phrase · usually used as an open question, not a claim.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS
ask the questionpose the questiondebate the questionwonder whether
