ability to exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to exist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the capacity or potential for something to be present or to have life. Example: "The ability to exist in harsh environments is a remarkable trait of certain species."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

We recognise the gift that is their near-Buddhist ability to exist in the moment.

The Guardian - Opinion

You're giving these plants the ability to take your breath away, the ability to exist".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Carbon is of great engineering importance because of its ability to exist in many structural forms.

Carbon Nanotechnology Recent Developments in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science and Device Applications

Vinny has the ability to exist in three distinct temporal dimensions, which kind of gives him an edge.

The New York Times - Books

The abusive relationship has been built over time, at the expense of her self-esteem and ability to exist independently.

The Guardian

"The ability to exist in pieces is what some adults call resilience," she wrote in One! Hundred!

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Although a regionally based analysis was not possible with the data available, variations in vulnerabilities and adaptive abilities appear to exist between and within regions on the basis of a number of common factors (see "Understanding the Capacity of Canada's North for Health Adaptation"; Grambsch and Menne 2003).

Environmental Health Perspectives

A characteristic feature of CXCL8 is its ability to reversibly exist as both monomers and dimers, but whether both forms exist in vivo, and if so, the relevance of each form for in vivo function is not known.

Plosone

We believe that by opening the technology to the community we will insure that we can maximize innovation, scale and the ability to co-exist with existing messaging systems.

TechCrunch

Our data from the WT show that the ability to interchangeably exist as both monomers and dimers is essential for sustained recruitment.

Plosone

Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize MSSA due to its ability to potentially exist within the patterned surface.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "ability to exist" to emphasize the fundamental possibility of something being present or occurring. For example, "The ability to exist independently is crucial for personal growth."

Common error

Avoid using "ability to exist" when simpler terms like "existence" or "being" would suffice. For instance, instead of saying "the ability to exist of the universe", consider "the existence of the universe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to exist" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the capacity or potential for something to be present or to sustain life. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the capacity or potential for something to be present or to have life.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to exist" is a versatile noun phrase widely used to describe the capacity or potential for something to be present, survive, or persist. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase found across various domains, including science, news media, and academia. Its formal register makes it suitable for discussing complex, abstract concepts. When writing, be mindful to avoid overuse in contexts where simpler terms like "existence" would suffice. Consider alternatives such as "capacity for being" or "potential for survival" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for being

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and uses "being" instead of "exist", focusing on the state of existence.

capability to survive

Synonymous to the original query, simply replacing 'exist' with 'survive'.

chance of survival

Synonymous to the original query, simply replacing 'exist' with 'survive'.

potential for survival

Highlights the aspect of survival, implying the ability to continue existing.

prospect of viability

Highlights the potential for something to be viable or sustainable.

likelihood of existence

Shifts the focus to the probability or chance of something existing.

feasibility of presence

Emphasizes the practicality and possibility of being present or existing.

scope to remain

Focuses on the aspect of continuing to exist or stay in a certain state.

opportunity to thrive

Highlights a more positive outlook, implying not just existence, but flourishing.

room to operate

This refers to the space or opportunity required for existence.

FAQs

How can I use "ability to exist" in a sentence?

The phrase "ability to exist" is used to describe the capacity or potential for something to be present or to have life. For example: "The plant's "ability to exist" in low-light conditions is remarkable."

What are some alternatives to "ability to exist"?

You can use alternatives like "capacity for being", "potential for survival", or "capability to survive" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "ability to exist" or simply "existence"?

"Ability to exist" emphasizes the potential or capacity for being, while "existence" refers to the actual state of being. Use "ability to exist" when you want to highlight the capability rather than the fact.

In what contexts is "ability to exist" most appropriate?

The phrase "ability to exist" is suitable in scientific, philosophical, and abstract discussions where the potential or capacity for something to be present is being considered. It is often used when discussing conditions necessary for survival or persistence.