as they exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they exist" is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is true of something as it currently is. For example: "I accept people as they exist, with all of their flaws and weaknesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The differences, as they exist, are relatively minor.

The New York Times

As long as they exist there will be blood".

The New Yorker

Magmatic geothermal systems, as they exist in Iceland, are complex geological structures.

Geothermics

But part of that pessimism was about providing OA to journal articles as they exist today.

Harvard University

"Carbon markets will exist [in future] but certainly not as they exist today," he said.

The Guardian

"I think councillors are following the rules as they exist at the moment.

The Guardian

"We are going to play by the rules, as they exist," he said.

The New York Times

Natural processes have become "ecosystem services", as they exist only to serve us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Foreign mainstream holidays as they exist at present can never be impact-free.

The Guardian

There's little sense of books as they exist for readers, in people and phrases.

The New Yorker

Generally speaking, arts programs on other networks, such as they exist, also avoid controversy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, pair "as they exist" with precise descriptions or data points to enhance credibility and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Don't use "as they exist" when the context already implies the present state. Redundancy weakens your writing and makes it less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they exist" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the current state or condition of something. It adds a temporal dimension to the description, emphasizing the present reality. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

35%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they exist" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to refer to the present condition of something. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it's generally safe to use, it's crucial to avoid redundancy and to select it consciously when you want to emphasize the current state. Consider alternatives like "in their current form" or "as of now" for stylistic variation. Keep in mind that context is key, and ensure the tense aligns with the time frame you're discussing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in their current form

Focuses on the present shape or structure.

in their present state

Emphasizes the existing condition or situation.

as of now

Highlights the current time frame.

as they stand

Implies a current position or arrangement.

as they are today

Stresses the temporal aspect of the present.

in today's reality

Underscores the contemporary actuality.

in the way they are

Highlights the manner or fashion of existence.

in their actual condition

Focuses on the tangible state of affairs.

in their current manifestation

Emphasizes the present expression or appearance.

as matters currently stand

Highlights the present arrangement of events.

FAQs

How can I use "as they exist" in a sentence?

Use "as they exist" to specify that you are referring to the current state of something. For example, "We must address the problems "as they exist" today, not as we wish they were."

What are some alternatives to saying "as they exist"?

You can use phrases like "in their current form", "in their present state", or "as of now" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as they existed" instead of "as they exist"?

While "as they exist" refers to the present, "as they existed" refers to a past state. The correct choice depends on the time frame you are discussing.

What is the difference between "as they exist" and "as they should be"?

"As they exist" describes the current reality, while "as they should be" describes an ideal or desired state. The former is descriptive, and the latter is prescriptive.