In existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in existence" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to indicate that something or someone is currently existing or present. Example: "The company has been in existence for over 50 years." Explanation: This sentence means that the company has been existing for at least 50 years and it is still present and functioning. Example: "The species has been in existence for centuries." Explanation: This sentence means that the species has been existing for a long time, possibly hundreds of years, and it is still present on the earth. Example: "There is no record of such a law being in existence." Explanation: This sentence means that there is no evidence or documentation that this law has ever existed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's been in existence since 1973.

The New Yorker

Only about 800 are in existence today.

The New York Times - Science

The home has been in existence since 1869.

The New Yorker

Twenty-eight others are already in existence.

The New York Times

NIFA remains in existence through 2007.

The New York Times

"It's been in existence for 90 years.

The New York Times

It has been in existence since1906.

The New Yorker

Is the Founding Tent still in existence?

The New York Times

There are nine copies in existence.

The New Yorker

There are barriers that are in existence.

The Guardian

"That warrant remains valid and in existence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in existence" when you want to emphasize that something is not just a theoretical concept but has a tangible reality.

Common error

Avoid using "in existence" when referring to something that may exist hypothetically but lacks concrete proof. It's best suited for verifiable entities or established facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in existence" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that the noun has a current state of being or presence. It's frequently used to describe the status or condition of something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Opinion

17%

Lifestyle

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in existence" is a grammatically correct and widely used adjectival phrase that describes the current state of being or presence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequent appearance in diverse sources, especially news and media, underscores its versatility. When writing, use "in existence" to emphasize the tangible reality of something and avoid using it for hypothetical situations. Remember alternatives like "currently existing" or "still around" can add nuance. Finally, pay attention to scope to guarantee accuracy in the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Present

Simple and direct, indicating current presence.

Currently existing

More descriptive, emphasizing the present time.

Extant

A more formal and somewhat archaic synonym.

Still around

More informal, implies continued existence over time.

In effect

Refers specifically to laws or rules that are currently operative.

Operational

Emphasizes the functional state of something.

Remaining

Implies that something has survived or persisted.

subsisting

Suggests maintaining existence, often with minimal resources.

Living

Specifically refers to beings that are alive.

Available

Focuses on the accessibility of something.

FAQs

How can I use "in existence" in a sentence?

You can use "in existence" to indicate that something is currently present or existing. For example, "The company has been "in existence" for over 50 years" or "Are there any copies of the original manuscript "in existence"?".

What are some alternatives to "in existence"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "currently existing", "still around", or "present". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "no longer in existence"?

Yes, "no longer in existence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that something that once existed does not exist anymore. For instance, "The information agency is "no longer in existence"".

What's the difference between "in existence" and "existing"?

"Existing" is a broader term that simply means something is real or present. "In existence" often emphasizes a continuous state of being, particularly over a period of time. For instance, a species has been "in existence" for millennia, highlighting its continuous presence, while simply saying a species is "existing" just states its current reality.