at existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at existence" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not a standard expression and may confuse readers, as it lacks context and clarity. Example: "The concept of being at existence is often debated in philosophical discussions."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Such found objects of cinematic wonder converge with a wonder at existence itself.

The New Yorker

To marvel at existence is to assume that nothingness is somehow more natural, more restful.

The New York Times - Books

Each of us has just one chance at existence, and so many people's lives are being blighted by these cuts.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Son, with his little fists curled up and clenched, seemed, in his feeble way, to be squaring at existence for having come upon him so unexpectedly".

The Guardian - Books

Yet it isn't science in any aridly academic sense but a passionate investigation of the nature of things, a wonder at existence, that unites these people.

The New York Times - Books

Finally, Prof. Vrchlicka has refuted Kouska's argumentation saying that behind it is a "metaphysical wonderment at existence, "an existential question abt the uniqueness of individuals, ¬ at all for physics.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

George H. W. Bush underwent a similar moment in 1992, when he was caught showing astonishment at the existence of scanners at supermarket checkout counters.

The New Yorker

Fundamentalist Islamic thought took aim at America's policies, not at its existence.

The New York Times - Magazine

Eve expressed outrage, not simply at the existence of the review but also at its content.

The New Yorker

At my school's club fest, people scoffed at the existence of a women in the computing club.

Huffington Post

"This is aimed at our existence".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "at existence" in formal writing. Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "in existence" or "of existence" for clarity and professionalism.

Common error

A common mistake is to assume "at" can always replace "in" or "of". The phrase "at existence" often sounds awkward and doesn't follow standard English usage. Always consider the grammatical correctness and naturalness of the preposition used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at existence" functions as a prepositional phrase attempting to modify a verb or noun by indicating a state or condition. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is not grammatically correct or standard English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66.66%

Science

16.67%

Wiki

16.67%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at existence" appears in some contexts, it is considered grammatically incorrect and non-standard in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It attempts to function as a prepositional phrase to describe a state of being, but its usage is limited and often awkward. More appropriate alternatives include "in existence" or "of existence". While it surfaces in News & Media, Science and Wiki, it's best avoided in formal writing. Therefore, writers should opt for clearer, grammatically sound alternatives to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in existence

Replaces the preposition "at" with "in", creating a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

of existence

Uses "of" to indicate a quality or characteristic related to existence, offering a more natural phrasing.

to exist

Emphasizes the act of existing, focusing on the verb form rather than a prepositional phrase.

being alive

Replaces "existence" with "being alive", highlighting the state of being living.

the state of being

Uses a more descriptive phrase to define existence, clarifying the concept.

the fact of existence

Adds "fact of" for emphasis, making the concept more concrete.

in the world

Offers a broader perspective by positioning something within the world.

on earth

Similar to "in the world", but more specific to the planet Earth.

within reality

Places existence within the framework of reality.

as a living entity

Focuses on the living aspect of existence, specifying a living being.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically sound alternative to "at existence"?

The phrases "in existence" and "of existence" are generally more grammatically sound and widely accepted alternatives.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "at existence"?

Given that it's not a standard English phrase, it is best to avoid using "at existence" in most contexts, especially in formal writing. Opt for more conventional alternatives instead.

How can I rephrase a sentence containing "at existence" to sound more natural?

Consider replacing "at existence" with "in existence" or restructuring the sentence to use a different preposition or phrasing altogether. For example, instead of "marvel at existence", try "marvel at the fact "to exist"".

Is there a difference in meaning between "at existence" and "in existence"?

While both attempt to convey a state of being, "in existence" is grammatically correct and widely understood, while "at existence" is not standard usage and may sound awkward or incorrect to native English speakers. Therefore there is a meaningful difference.