actually existing

USAGE SUMMARY

"actually existing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that currently exists, as opposed to something that is hypothetical or not true. For example, "The new law takes effect on actually existing businesses, not those that could theoretically be established in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The shadow planets actually existed without actually existing.

The New Yorker

Within an actually existing being, therefore, its essence and existence are not really distinct.

SEP

There's not a single actual recorded instance of Vaseline-slathered mice actually existing.

Vice

An actually existing thing, then, such as an existing body, is its essence brought to existence.

SEP

And yet these are the actually existing proposals that are being pushed by actually existing Republicans in the actual presidential campaign we're involved in this year.

The Economist

By a real life, actually existing, Christ-hating demon.

The Guardian - Music

First of all, actually existing markets are unsurprisingly, and often hilariously, divorced from their theoretical underpinnings.

The Guardian

Actually existing communism meant ecological devastation, government spying, crappy cars and gulags.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rare sightings gave me a strange feeling of both actually existing – look, proof in print!

The Guardian - Books

More important, what about the economics of actually existing women and families?

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether that appearance corresponds to anything actually existing in the external world is an open question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actually existing" to emphasize that something is not merely theoretical but is present and functional in the real world. For instance, when contrasting theoretical models with real-world implementations.

Common error

Be mindful of using "actually existing" when the context already implies reality or existence. For example, saying "actually existing reality" is redundant; "reality" alone suffices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually existing" functions as an adjectival modifier, adding specificity and emphasis to the noun it precedes. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. For example, "actually existing communism" modifies "communism", distinguishing it from theoretical forms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actually existing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to emphasize the real and tangible nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially when contrasting theory with practice. It appears most frequently in news media and scientific publications. When using this phrase, avoid redundancy and ensure that the context warrants the emphasis it provides. Alternatives such as "currently existing" or "genuinely existing" can offer nuanced variations. The phrase provides value when grounding discussions in real-world examples, avoiding purely theoretical considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently existing

Emphasizes that something exists at the present time.

truly existing

Reinforces the genuine and factual nature of existence.

real existing

A shorter and more direct way to say "actually existing".

genuinely existing

Focuses on the authenticity and reality of the existence.

already existing

Indicates that something was present or in effect at a previous time and continues to be so.

factually existing

Indicates existence based on proven facts or evidence.

practically existing

Focuses on the functional or real-world existence of something.

essentially existing

Highlights the fundamental or intrinsic nature of the existence.

certainly existing

Expresses confidence and assurance about the existence of something.

basically existing

Underlines the fundamental or simple aspect of existence.

FAQs

How is "actually existing" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "actually existing" is often used to differentiate between theoretical concepts and their real-world applications or manifestations. It adds emphasis to empirical observations and real phenomena.

What are some alternatives to "actually existing"?

Alternatives include "currently existing", "genuinely existing", or "already existing", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "actually existing" a formal or informal phrase?

"Actually existing" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding text than the phrase itself.

In what contexts should I use "actually existing"?

Use "actually existing" when you want to highlight the tangible, real-world presence of something, especially when contrasting it with theoretical or hypothetical alternatives.