as it existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it existed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the state or condition of something in the past, often in discussions about history or changes over time. Example: "The building was preserved to reflect its original design, as it existed in the early 1900s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Cop Out," however, was intended as a homage to the genre as it existed in its classic incarnation.

The New York Times

The family as it existed in medieval Europe was male-dominated and extended.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"As it existed in 1996 or 1997, Cease-Fire is entirely gone," Mr. Kennedy said.

The New York Times

"Traditional animation as it existed in the 20th century is being reinvented," Mr. Katzenberg said.

The New York Times

No doubt the NHS as it existed a generation ago was far from perfect.

The Guardian - Books

But it would essentially make the campaign revert to the status quo as it existed a few days ago.

The New York Times

Singer evokes in his writings the vanished world of Polish Jewry as it existed before the Holocaust.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The so-called 'Real IRareare on all fours with the original IRA as it existed in 1939...".

The Guardian - Opinion

What information can you find about the facility and/or community as it existed before the war?

The New York Times

"They have restored and recaptured the character of the courtyard as it existed in Amster's time," he said.

The New York Times

McCain argued that Lebanese society, as it existed then, could not be stabilized and unified by American troops.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it existed" to provide historical context or to compare a past state with a current one. This is particularly useful when discussing changes or evolution over time.

Common error

Avoid using "as it existed" when referring to something that still exists in the same form. This phrase is best used when discussing something that has changed or no longer exists in its original form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it existed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time or condition in which something was valid or present. It helps to provide historical context, as seen in Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as it existed" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to denote a past state or condition, often in contrast with the present. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. When writing, use "as it existed" to add historical depth and clarity, particularly when discussing changes over time. Be mindful to avoid using it for unchanging present states. Alternatives like "in its former state" or "as it was then" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it was then

A more direct and simple way to refer to a past state.

in its former state

Highlights a past condition, often implying a contrast with the present.

as it once was

Evokes a sense of nostalgia or longing for the past.

in its previous form

Emphasizes a change in the structure or appearance.

formerly

A concise way to indicate a previous state or condition.

in its original condition

Focuses on the initial state, often before any alterations or modifications.

at that time

Specifies a particular point in the past.

in its day

Implies a period of time when something was at its prime or most relevant.

in its historical context

Highlights the importance of understanding something within its specific time period.

in the past

A general reference to a time before the present.

FAQs

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

Use "as it existed" to describe the state of something in the past, often contrasting it with its present state. For example: "The law "as it existed" on Election Day is the one that should have been applied."

What are some alternatives to using "as it existed"?

You can use alternatives like "in its "former state"", "in its original condition", or "as it was then" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "as it existed" when referring to something in the past?

No, it's not always necessary. The choice depends on whether you need to emphasize the difference between the past and present states. If the state hasn't changed significantly, simpler phrasing might suffice.

How does "as it existed" differ from "as it is now"?

"As it existed" refers to a past state, while "as it is now" refers to the present state. The former is used to highlight changes over time, while the latter describes the current situation.