an existing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an existing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is currently in place or already established. Example: "We need to assess the impact of the new policy on an existing framework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Changing an existing university is very difficult.

The New York Times

She opted for an existing major.

The New York Times

It doesn't include poaching of an existing tenant of an existing building in an existing city".

The New York Times

or from an existing function.

Stanford University

Attaches to an existing segment.

University of California, Berkeley

There is already an existing Keystone pipeline.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has also expanded an existing monument.

The New York Times

Modifies the attributes of an existing label.

Harvard University

How do I modify an existing course?

Stanford University

= READ open an existing file for reading.

Stanford University

Modifies the attributes of an existing frame.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an existing" to highlight the continuity or legacy of a system or process, contrasting it with new or proposed alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "an existing" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify the name or type of entity being referenced for better clarity. For example, instead of "modifying an existing process", say "modifying the existing workflow for order fulfillment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an existing" typically functions as a determiner modifying a noun, specifying that the noun it describes is already present or in place. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples, showing its common usage in various sentence structures to indicate pre-existing entities or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Academia

21%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an existing" functions as a determiner to specify that something already exists. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread use across diverse fields like news, academia, and general writing, confirming that the phrase is both grammatically sound and commonly employed. When using this phrase, it is crucial to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "current" or "established" may be appropriate, the selection depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a current

Focuses on the present time or state of something.

an established

Highlights the long-term existence and recognition of something.

a pre-existing

Emphasizes that something existed before a specific point in time.

an incumbent

Specifically refers to someone currently holding a position or office.

a present

Highlights something that exists or is in effect now.

a remaining

Implies something that continues to exist from a larger set.

an operational

Suggests that something is functional and in use.

a functioning

Similar to 'operational', indicating something is working properly.

an available

Indicates that something is accessible or ready for use.

a recognized

Highlights that something is acknowledged or accepted.

FAQs

How can I use "an existing" in a sentence?

Use "an existing" to describe something that is already in place or operational. For instance, "We will integrate the new software with "an existing system"".

What are some alternatives to "an existing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "current", "established", or "pre-existing". Consider "a current framework" or "a pre-existing condition".

Is it redundant to say "already existing"?

While not strictly incorrect, "already existing" can be redundant because "existing" already implies something is currently present. Using just "an existing structure" is usually more concise.

When should I use "an existing" versus "a new"?

"An existing" should be used when referring to something that is already present, while "a new" is used to describe something recently created or introduced. Example: "Upgrading "an existing facility" versus building a new one requires different budget considerations".