be in existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be in existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is present or has been created. Example: "The ancient ruins continue to be in existence despite the passage of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under this definition, an emissions unit could be "in existence" even if it did not begin operating until several years after 1977.

Cornell University

"Will the jpeg format still be in existence?

The New Yorker

There is a dinosaur mindset that shouldn't be in existence.

The Guardian - Sport

"Come out and watch a team that might not be in existence next year?

The New York Times - Sports

I doubt very much if we would be in existence without them".

The New York Times

"Continental would probably not be in existence but for the frequent-flier program".

The New York Times

"We thought that should be in existence, so we did it ourselves".

The Guardian - Music

This club is going to be in existence for a few years to come.

The New York Times - Sports

Not a single copy of the first edition is known to be in existence," Macaulay wrote.

The Guardian - Opinion

One, because some products may already be in existence, particularly on the imaging side.

The New York Times - Sports

"Do I think Google is going to be in existence for 150 years?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be in existence" to emphasize the state of being or the fact that something has been created or continues to exist. It can add a layer of formality or emphasis compared to simply using "exist".

Common error

Avoid using "be in existence" in contexts where a simpler word like "exist" or "is" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be in existence" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating a state of being or presence. It emphasizes that something is not just present but has a defined state of existing, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be in existence" is grammatically correct and frequently used to indicate that something is present or has been created. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears in various contexts, notably in news and academic writing. While it can be replaced with simpler terms like "exist", "be in existence" often adds a layer of formality or emphasis. When writing, remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in simple contexts where "exist" or "is" would suffice. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptance in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Exist

A direct synonym that implies being real or present.

Be present

Indicates a state of being at a specific place or time.

Be around

Suggests a less formal way of saying something is still active or viable.

Remain

Emphasizes the continuation of existence over a period of time.

Be viable

Implies that something is capable of surviving or succeeding.

Continue to live

Highlights the ongoing nature of being alive or functional.

Survive

Focuses on overcoming challenges to maintain existence.

Be extant

A more formal and technical term for still existing.

Persist

Suggests a continued existence despite difficulties or opposition.

Have existence

An alternative way of stating the condition of existing.

FAQs

How can I use "be in existence" in a sentence?

Use "be in existence" to emphasize the state of being, survival, or creation of something. For example: "The ancient ruins continue to "be in existence" despite the passage of time."

What can I say instead of "be in existence"?

You can use alternatives like "exist", "be present", or "remain" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "be in existence" instead of "exist"?

"Be in existence" is suitable when you want to emphasize the continuous state or the fact of something's presence or creation. "Exist" is a more general and direct term.

Is "be in existence" more formal than "exist"?

Yes, "be in existence" tends to be more formal and can add emphasis or a sense of importance compared to the simpler and more direct word "exist".