as existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as existed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to some state of affairs that existed before but no longer exists or has changed. For example, "The economy as existed in the last century has been completely transformed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

In the ancient and medieval world such advertising as existed was conducted by word of mouth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The atmosphere contained little oxygen, and such life as existed was necessarily inefficient at extracting energy from its food.

The New York Times - Books

Items would be placed "in substantially the same arrangement" as existed in the Fairfield studio, he added.

The New York Times - Arts

Firm-specific characteristics and external factors as antecedents of export performance are included in the model as existed in the literature.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

"He didn't break any prior democratic tradition, as existed in other countries," said Alfredo Boccia Paz, an Asunción physician who has written several books on the Stroessner era.

The New York Times

The social hypocrisy of Austro-Hungarian Vienna at the beginning of the 20th century was the same as existed in Victorian London.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Significant decisions have blown holes in such policies as exist.

The Guardian

Chechnya today is as close to a Hobbesian state as exists on earth.

The New Yorker

This one is about as robust a correlation as exists in the social science.

The New Yorker

He added, "This is a very open society, and the press knows — you know — almost as much as exists and almost as soon as it exists.

The New Yorker

As exists, therefore.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as existed" to clearly indicate a condition or state that prevailed in the past but is no longer present. This phrase helps establish a historical reference point in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as existed" when you mean to describe a current condition. "As existed" refers specifically to something in the past. For the present, use "as it exists" or "as it stands".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as existed" functions as a reduced relative clause, modifying a noun by specifying a past condition or state. It provides context by indicating how something was in the past. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

19%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as existed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used construction to denote a past condition or state. Ludwig AI affirms its validity, highlighting its prevalence across diverse sources. It functions primarily to provide historical context, enabling a comparison between past and present circumstances. The phrase is commonly found in news articles, encyclopedic entries, and academic papers, showcasing its versatility in formal and neutral registers. When writing, ensure clarity by using "as existed" to precisely refer to prior states, distinguishing it from present conditions. Alternatives include "as it was" and "formerly in place", offering stylistic choices without altering the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it was

Replaces 'existed' with 'was', maintaining the focus on a past state. This alternative is less formal.

in its previous state

More descriptive, specifying that the condition is 'previous'. It is more formal.

as it previously stood

Emphasizes a prior position or condition, adding a sense of formality.

formerly in place

Highlights that something was 'formerly' active or operational.

before its current form

Focuses on a transformation from a past state to the present.

in the past

A simple, direct way to refer to a condition that is no longer present.

in its original condition

Specifies the state as 'original', implying a return to earlier circumstances.

as it used to be

Indicates a habitual state in the past, suggesting familiarity.

what it once was

Emphasizes the difference between the present and a past identity.

under the old system

Refers specifically to a past organizational or structural framework.

FAQs

How can I use "as existed" in a sentence?

Use "as existed" to refer to a state, condition, or system that was in place at a previous time. For example, "The legal framework "as existed" before the reform was outdated".

What are some alternatives to "as existed"?

You can use phrases like "as it was", "in its previous state", or "formerly in place" as alternatives to "as existed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "as existed" in formal writing?

Yes, "as existed" is suitable for formal writing when you need to clearly denote a past state or condition that has changed. Ensure the context makes it clear what you are referring to.

What is the difference between "as existed" and "as it exists"?

"As existed" refers to something that was present in the past but no longer is, while "as it exists" refers to the current state or condition of something. Use "as existed" when discussing historical contexts or changes over time.