already existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already existed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate something existed before now or before something else was established. Example: The building blocks of life already existed before humans evolved.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that already existed.

The Economist

The raw material already existed.

The Economist

In 1900, the Edison phonograph already existed.

The Economist

"I never copied things that already existed.

The New York Times - Arts

The list of internees already existed.

The New Yorker

already existed in the late Middle Pleistocene.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

(One already existed in Jamaica, Queens).

The New York Times

I'm just surprised it hasn't already existed".

The Guardian

A policy already existed for her son.

The New York Times

What already existed: Vending machines, minibars.

The Washington Post

Devices like ours already existed, and some even commercially available.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "already existed" to clearly establish that something was present before a particular event or time. It helps avoid ambiguity and provides context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "already existed" when referring to something that continues to exist in the present. Use "still exists" or "continues to exist" instead. "Already existed" implies that something was present in the past but is no longer so.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already existed" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something was in existence at a prior time. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a grammatically correct way to establish that something was present before a particular event or point in time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "already existed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across varied contexts like news, science, and academia. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's an effective way to indicate that something was present before a specific time or event. When using the phrase, ensure correct tense usage and consider related phrases such as "previously existed" or ""was already in place"" to add nuance. Avoid using it when referring to something that still exists in the present. Remember that its purpose is to give temporal context and avoid ambiguity. Its high frequency and correct usage make it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously existed

Emphasizes existence at an earlier time.

existed beforehand

Highlights the temporal priority of the existence.

was already in place

Focuses on the established or implemented state.

had been present

Stresses the continuous presence until a certain point.

was already available

Highlights the accessibility or readiness of something.

formerly prevailed

Suggests that something was dominant or common in the past.

was previously established

Emphasizes that something had been set up or founded before.

had been around

Informal way of saying something had existed for some time.

was then extant

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying something existed.

predated

Indicates that something came into existence earlier than something else.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "already existed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "previously existed", "was formerly established", or "was then extant". These alternatives provide a similar meaning while elevating the register of your writing.

What's the difference between "previously existed" and "already existed"?

While both phrases convey the idea that something existed before, "already existed" emphasizes that the existence was known or expected at the time being discussed. "Previously existed" simply indicates existence at an earlier point in time, without necessarily implying prior knowledge or expectation.

Is it correct to say "already exist" instead of "already existed"?

The correct form depends on the tense you want to convey. Use "already exist" to describe something that is currently in existence. Use "already existed" to describe something that was in existence at a point in the past.

How to use "already existed" in a sentence?

Use "already existed" to emphasize the prior presence of something before a specific event or time. For example, "The necessary infrastructure "was already in place" before the new development began."