an existential one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an existential one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question, issue, or situation that pertains to existence or the nature of being. Example: "The debate over the meaning of life is an existential one that has puzzled philosophers for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

("I knew I was having a decorating crisis. I didn't know I was having an existential one," says Susan when Laurie fires some existentialism at her to help her decide what wallpaper to get).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

With Quantum Fluctuations, he aids in a mind-expanding, visual exploration of the quantum world, a journey that to him, "becomes a deeply philosophical endeavour and in many ways an existential one, dealing with fundamental questions that have a direct impact on how we understand ourselves".

Vice

"And an existential one".

The New York Times

"This battle is an existential one that has to be won.

The Guardian - Music

The real issue for Arsenal in the Champions League has been an existential one.

The Guardian - Sport

In "The Seafarer" alcoholism isn't primarily a medical condition but an existential one.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Indeed, in the span of three years, the irritating "British question" of 2013 has morphed into a very existential one for the whole European club.

The Guardian - Opinion

By 2008, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff declared it to be a "significant existential" one - carefully differentiating it, apparently, from all those insignificant existential threats Americans have faced in the past.

The Guardian - Opinion

Domestic terrorism constitutes a persistent and serious threat, but not a strategic or existential one.

The New Yorker

"A Goat's Song is one of the big Irish novels: it's a wrangle, an existential tussle, one of those books that makes its own language," said Anne Enright in 2011, before touching on the peculiar dynamic of the book and, in fact, of most of Healy's work.

The Guardian - Books

"Europe is dealing with an existential crisis," one British source said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the context is serious and philosophical, as the phrase carries a heavy connotation related to being and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "an existential one" in casual or trivial situations. This phrase is best reserved for serious discussions about existence, purpose, or fundamental aspects of life. Using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and seem pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an existential one" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often 'question', 'crisis', 'threat', etc.) to describe its nature. Ludwig AI indicates it's used to characterize something as relating to existence or fundamental being, as seen in examples like 'an existential crisis'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an existential one" is a phrase used to describe something deeply connected to existence or fundamental being. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and is commonly used in serious and philosophical contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, it's essential to reserve this phrase for situations where you want to emphasize the profound nature of an issue or question. While "an existential one" is appropriate for academic and formal discussions, simpler alternatives like "a fundamental issue" or "a critical challenge" may be more suitable for casual settings. Understanding its proper usage ensures that you effectively convey the gravity and significance of the subject at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of being

Directly addresses the nature of existence, similar to the original phrase.

a fundamental issue

Replaces the existential aspect with a focus on the foundational nature of the issue.

a question of survival

Focuses on the aspect of continued existence or viability.

a critical challenge

Emphasizes the importance and urgency of the challenge.

a core problem

Highlights that the problem is central and essential.

a matter of ultimate concern

Highlights the supreme importance and relevance of the issue.

a basic question

Focuses on the rudimentary nature of the question being asked.

a philosophical question

Highlights the pondering and speculative nature of the question.

a life-or-death matter

Conveys extreme importance, emphasizing survival.

a deeply personal matter

Emphasizes the issue's significance to an individual's sense of self.

FAQs

What does "an existential one" mean?

The phrase "an existential one" refers to a question, problem, or situation that is deeply connected to existence, purpose, or the fundamental nature of being. It often deals with questions of why we exist and what our purpose is.

When is it appropriate to use "an existential one" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "an existential one" when discussing serious issues that question the core of someone's being, purpose, or fundamental beliefs. Avoid using it in casual or trivial contexts where it might seem out of place.

Are there alternatives to using "an existential one"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a fundamental issue", "a critical challenge", or "a philosophical question". These phrases convey the seriousness or importance of the issue without directly referencing existentialism.

Is "an existential one" formal or informal?

The phrase "an existential one" leans towards the formal side due to its connection with existential philosophy. It is suitable for academic, philosophical, or serious discussions. In more informal settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.