assuming it exists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assuming it exists" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a hypothetical situation or condition that may or may not be true or present. Example: "We will proceed with the project, assuming it exists within the budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

A real difference, assuming it exists, might also be a reflection of differences in awareness of the existence and content of perioperative DNR guidelines from specialist organizations rather than opinions formed on the basis of an individual's specialty.

BMC Anesthesiology

The gene has yet to be identified -- assuming it exists.

The New York Times - Science

The first is whether secular stagnation – assuming it exists – actually matters.

The Guardian - Business

And assuming it exists beyond a purely religious community (the ummah), why is it absurdly juxtaposed against the "west"?

The Guardian - Opinion

As for Admiral Zheng He, strong material evidence confirming his early discovery of Australia remains to be uncovered, assuming it exists.

The Guardian - Opinion

For several years, New Yorkers who ride the subways on Saturday and Sunday have had a sneak preview of what hell (assuming it exists) has in store for them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Just put black life there onstage and assume it exists.

The New York Times

So if this larger-screen DSi doesn't see the light of day before Thanksgiving, it probably won't be out this year; that is, of course, assuming it actually exists, which is something else entirely.

TechCrunch

The EU (assuming it still exists) might end up helping to dismember a decidedly shaky United Kingdom of three and a half nations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Assuming it still exists, sign up for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

HuffPost

But the different grammars of actual languages suggest it cannot, assuming it does exist, be imposing itself too strongly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assuming it exists" to introduce a degree of uncertainty or skepticism about the reality or presence of something. It's useful when discussing theoretical or hypothetical situations.

Common error

Avoid using "assuming it exists" excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or overly cautious. Consider more direct language if the existence of something is generally accepted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assuming it exists" functions as a qualifier, adding a condition of uncertainty to a statement. It indicates that the statement's validity depends on whether something actually exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assuming it exists" serves as a conditional qualifier, introducing uncertainty about the reality or presence of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and versatile. While common across different contexts like News, Science, and Academia, it is crucial to avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "if it is real" or "provided it is present" to prevent redundancy. Remember, this phrase is most appropriate when genuine doubt or skepticism is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it is real

Focuses on the reality or truthfulness of something rather than its mere existence.

provided it is present

Emphasizes the condition of something being available or on hand.

in the event it actually exists

Adds emphasis to the possibility that something might not exist.

if it can be demonstrated to exist

Shifts the focus to proving the existence of something.

contingent on its existence

Highlights the dependence of something on the existence of something else.

supposing it to exist

Implies a tentative acceptance of existence for the sake of argument.

on the assumption it exists

Clearly indicates that the existence is an assumption, not a certainty.

should it be the case that it exists

Presents a more formal and hypothetical scenario.

given its existence

Acknowledges the existence as a given or a premise.

if it is indeed the case

Focuses on the truth or validity of a statement rather than just existence.

FAQs

How can I use "assuming it exists" in a sentence?

You can use "assuming it exists" to introduce a condition that may or may not be true. For example: "We will proceed with the experiment, assuming the necessary equipment exists."

What are some alternatives to "assuming it exists"?

Alternatives include "if it is real", "provided it is present", or "contingent on its existence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "assuming it exists" when discussing something hypothetical?

No, it's not always necessary. The phrase is most appropriate when there's genuine doubt or uncertainty about the existence of the subject being discussed. Otherwise, a simple "if" statement might suffice.

What's the difference between "assuming it exists" and "if it exists"?

Both phrases introduce a condition based on the existence of something. However, "assuming it exists" often implies a stronger degree of skepticism or uncertainty than "if it exists". The former is used when you are not convinced about the existence of something.