To exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To exist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the state of being or the concept of existence in various contexts, such as philosophy, literature, or everyday conversation. Example: "To exist is to experience life in all its complexities and challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How to exist".

The New York Times

It ceased to exist.

The New Yorker

Cannibalism used to exist.

The New Yorker

Twitter needed to exist.

The New Yorker

It had to exist.

The New Yorker

"You weren't supposed to exist".

The New Yorker

Women barely seem to exist.

The New York Times - Books

Never to exist again.

The Guardian - Books

Racial discrimination obviously continues to exist.

The New York Times

That district ceased to exist in January.

The Economist

Since 1995 it has ceased to exist.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts or philosophical ideas, use "To exist" to emphasize the state of being or reality, rather than merely functioning or surviving.

Common error

Avoid using "To exist" when you mean 'to live' in the sense of experiencing life fully. "To exist" is a more basic and fundamental concept than 'to live', which implies a certain quality or activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To exist" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase, often used as a verbal noun. It expresses the state of being or having reality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, from philosophical discussions to everyday scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "To exist" is a versatile infinitive phrase that serves to denote the state of being or having reality. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, ranging from scholarly texts to everyday conversations. While Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness, remember to choose it judiciously, ensuring it aligns with your intended meaning, especially when differentiating it from similar terms like "to live". Remember that "To exist" focuses on the fundamental state of being. Keep in mind the neutral register, allowing for adaptation to varied communication settings, but be aware of subtleties for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To have being

A more formal way to express the concept of existence.

To have reality

Indicates tangible or verifiable existence.

To remain in existence

Emphasizes the continuation of being over time.

To be present

Focuses on current existence in a specific time or place.

To be alive

Focuses on the state of being living, adding a dimension beyond mere existence.

To continue to live

Combines the ideas of existence and continued life or survival.

To come into being

Highlights the moment of creation or origination.

To stay alive

Similar to 'to be alive', but with more focus on active preservation.

To subsist

Implies existing at a minimal or basic level.

To draw breath

Poetic phrasing which emphasizes living rather than existing.

FAQs

How can I use "To exist" in a sentence?

You can use "To exist" to discuss the state of being, such as "The question of whether aliens "to exist" remains unanswered" or "For a relationship "to exist", both parties must be willing to communicate".

What is a more formal way to say "To exist"?

A more formal alternative to "To exist" is "to have being". This phrasing is often used in philosophical or academic contexts.

How does "To exist" differ from "To live"?

"To exist" refers to the basic state of being, while "to live" implies a more active and experiential engagement with life. For example, a rock "to exist", but it does not "live".

When is it appropriate to use "To exist" over other similar phrases?

Use "To exist" when you want to emphasize the fundamental state of being or reality, particularly in abstract or philosophical discussions. Alternatives like "to survive" or "to persist" imply specific conditions or challenges to continued existence.