I was existing

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was existing" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to convey a state of being or existence, often in contrast to action or progress. Example: "As I sat in the garden, watching the birds and listening to the rustling leaves, I couldn't help but feel grateful for simply existing in this moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Having left my job "voluntarily", I was existing on less than £10 a week.

The Guardian

I was existing on a balance of Starbucks and weed," he says while rolling a joint.

The Guardian - Music

Chicunique: I felt like I was existing in a moral void – either drowning in a sea of shameless smut or swimming in sentimental twaddle.

Independent

I was not beautiful and I had this kind of reaction, a way of showing myself I was existing, and very early on, at the age of nine or 10, I knew what I wanted to wear".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It felt like I was existing on the planet, but not living.

Huffington Post

I just felt nothing, like I was existing rather than living.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I'm existing, put it that way.

The Guardian - Music

I don't feel like I'm existing.

The Guardian

I remember her telling me about her unease when she first began to direct and found herself falling back on her reflexive habits of self-effacement and wifely clucking over other people's comforts -- I'm sorry I'm existing.

The New York Times - Magazine

I am existing on sheer force of will.

Vice

"When you subtract my living [expenses], I'm not living -- I'm existing," Dukes said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was existing" to convey a sense of being in a passive state, often when contrasting it with active engagement or a fulfilling life. It emphasizes a lack of progress or emotional investment.

Common error

Don't use "I was existing" when you actually mean you were actively living a full and engaged life. "Existing" implies a lack of activity and emotional depth, so make sure your word choice reflects your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was existing" functions as a statement of being, often implying a lack of active engagement or fulfillment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys a state of existence rather than active progress. Examples show its use in contrasting simple being with active living.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was existing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a state of being rather than actively living, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. The phrase often implies a lack of engagement, purpose, or progress. While grammatically sound, it's important to differentiate its meaning from "I was living", which suggests an active and fulfilling life. When aiming to express a passive state, consider alternatives like "I was merely surviving" or "I was just going through the motions" for a more nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was not truly living

Directly contrasts 'existing' with 'living,' highlighting a lack of fulfillment.

I was merely surviving

Shifts the emphasis to the basic act of staying alive, lacking quality of life.

I was just going through the motions

Highlights the lack of genuine engagement or feeling in daily activities.

I was simply present

Emphasizes physical presence without active participation or emotional investment.

I was marking time

Implies a temporary state of inactivity, waiting for something to change.

I was in a state of being

Focuses on a passive condition, rather than active living.

I was stagnating

Highlights a lack of progress or development, remaining in a static state.

I was vegetating

Suggests a state of inactivity and lack of mental or physical engagement.

I was just there

Simplifies the experience to mere presence, devoid of active involvement.

I felt like a ghost

Conveys a sense of detachment and lack of substance or impact.

FAQs

What does "I was existing" mean?

The phrase "I was existing" describes a state of being where one is merely present or surviving, often lacking a sense of purpose, engagement, or active participation in life. It implies a passive state rather than actively living.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I was existing"?

Use "I was existing" when you want to express a feeling of being stuck, stagnant, or simply going through the motions without real engagement or fulfillment. It's suitable when contrasting mere existence with active living or pursuing goals.

What can I say instead of "I was existing"?

You can use alternatives like "I was merely surviving", "I was just going through the motions", or "I was simply present" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "I was existing" differ from "I was living"?

"I was existing" implies a passive state of being, simply being present without active participation or fulfillment. In contrast, "I was living" suggests an active, engaged, and purposeful life, full of experiences and meaning.