an existing one

USAGE SUMMARY

"an existing one" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that already exists or is currently present. Example: I prefer to use this laptop instead of buying a new one. The cost of repairing an existing one is much lower.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They deserve a readership for the excellent reason that they haven't been designed to home in on an existing one.

The Guardian - Books

You can't slap on an existing one.

TechCrunch

Each activity should help students explore explore an interest or expand on an existing one.

Huffington Post

Do you have a great new invention, or could you improve on an existing one?

WikiHow

It's easier to support an existing one, rather than making a whole new one.

WikiHow

Construction on the store – which will replace an existing one in the city – will begin next year.

The Guardian - Business

Creates a new function object by copying an existing one.

Stanford University

Rather than developing infrastructure to help cool the planet, they propose using an existing one: agriculture.

The New York Times - Science

4. Convert your group's teen magazine or an existing one into a television show.

The New York Times

Anyone with Internet access can create a Wikipedia entry or edit an existing one.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Few studies chose an existing one-dose varicella vaccination programme or a situation with low private vaccination coverage as comparator.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an existing one" to clearly refer back to a previously mentioned item or concept, avoiding unnecessary repetition. For example, instead of saying 'upgrade the current system', consider saying 'upgrade "an existing one"' if 'system' was mentioned previously.

Common error

Avoid using "an existing one" in overly convoluted sentences where the reference is unclear. Ensure that the noun being replaced is easily identifiable to maintain clarity. Sometimes repeating the noun is better than creating ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an existing one" functions as a pronoun replacement, substituting a previously mentioned noun to avoid repetition. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage. For example, "Instead of building a new system, we should evaluate an existing one."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an existing one" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to efficiently refer back to previously mentioned nouns. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While "an existing one" promotes conciseness, clarity is paramount; avoid its use when the antecedent is ambiguous. By mastering the nuances of this phrase, writers can enhance the flow and coherence of their prose. Remember, it's a very common phrase, so use it with confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a current option

Focuses on the present availability of the option.

a present alternative

Highlights that the alternative is available right now.

an available instance

Emphasizes the availability and particular occurrence of something.

a prevailing entity

Suggests the entity is dominant or widespread.

a previous version

Refers specifically to a prior iteration of something.

an incumbent system

Implies a system currently in place.

an established model

Highlights the fact that the model is recognized and accepted.

a running instance

Similar to an available one, but in the present.

a going concern

Indicates that something is currently operating and viable.

a pre-existing item

Highlights the item existed before.

FAQs

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

Use "an existing one" to refer back to something that has already been mentioned. For example, "Instead of creating a new database, consider using "an existing one" if it meets your needs."

What phrases can I use instead of "an existing one"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a current option", "a present alternative", or "an available instance".

Is it better to say "an existing one" or repeat the noun?

In most cases, using "an existing one" is perfectly acceptable and avoids redundancy. However, if the noun is not immediately clear or the sentence becomes confusing, repeating the noun may be preferable for clarity.

What's the difference between "an existing one" and "a new one"?

"An existing one" refers to something that already exists, while "a new one" refers to something that is being created or acquired. For instance, "Instead of buying a new car, I'll repair "an existing one"."