beginning to exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beginning to exist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process or moment when something comes into being or starts to exist. Example: "The concept of the universe is fascinating, especially when considering the moment of beginning to exist after the Big Bang."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But here it is as it's beginning to exist.

The New York Times

But what matters is what happens in the back streets, all those little family-run places which are beginning to exist only in the nostalgic memories of wistful Francophiles.

The New York Times - Food

Contrary to the causal maxim, Hume maintains, it is entirely possible for us to conceive of something beginning to exist without any cause.

SEP

At E II xxvii.2 (p. 329 ), he locates spirits spatially: "Finite spirits having had each its determinate time and place of beginning to exist, the relation to that time and place will always determine to each of them its identity, as long as it exists".

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Beck also places particular emphasis on the fact that Hume discusses the first principle solely in the Treatise, Book 1, part 3, section 3 as the "general maxim in philosophy, that whatever begins to exist, must have a cause of existence" (T 1.3.3.1; SBN 78).

SEP

But I began to search for it, and it began to exist".

The New York Times - Science

People seem to think, she says, "that I only began to exist in 1971.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Style is not something extraneous to an artwork, but part of its essence: "A work of art only begins to exist from the moment that style appears".

The New York Times - Books

She began to exist for other people, and if ever asked a question to which she did not know the answer she was wont to fold her arms across her body and look upward.

The New Yorker

As America switched from a country that made things to one that bought them, so much of business began to exist in the abstract, with deeds exchanged and stocks sold.

The New York Times

"Did things begin to exist only when they were named?" These aspects of the novel describe Adichie's own experience of leaving Nigeria at 19 to attend college in the US – although Ifemelu stays away for 13 years without a trip home, while for Adichie it was "only" four.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts, "beginning to exist" can add a layer of philosophical depth. For instance, you might say, "A new understanding of quantum physics is beginning to exist."

Common error

Avoid using "beginning to exist" in contexts where simpler phrases like "starting" or "emerging" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning to exist" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a verbal complement within a clause. It describes the inception or initial phase of something's existence, as illustrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beginning to exist" describes the commencement of being and is categorized as an infinitive phrase. It has been deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI. While not exceptionally common, the expression maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal discourse. Its function is to describe the inception of something, and should not be used in simple contexts where it can be replaced by more simpler expressions. Common sources for this phrase are authoritative, including publications such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting to exist

Focuses on the initiation of existence, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly different emphasis.

coming into being

Emphasizes the process of something entering existence or reality.

taking shape

Suggests a gradual development towards a defined form or existence.

springing into existence

Implies a sudden or rapid emergence into being.

germinating

Used often in biological contexts, indicating the start of growth and development.

being born

Directly relates to the start of life or existence.

arising

Indicates the commencement of something, often in a more abstract sense.

initiating existence

Highlights the act of starting or beginning to live or be.

emerging

Implies a gradual appearance or development into existence.

developing

Focuses on the progressive growth and formation process.

FAQs

How can I use "beginning to exist" in a sentence?

You can use "beginning to exist" to describe the early stages of something's development, for example: "The concept of sustainable living is "starting to exist" in many communities."

What are some alternatives to "beginning to exist"?

Alternatives include phrases like "coming into being", "taking shape", or "emerging", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "beginning to exist" formal or informal?

"Beginning to exist" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although simpler alternatives might be preferred in very casual settings.

What's the difference between "beginning to exist" and ""starting to exist""?

While similar, "beginning to exist" can imply a more gradual or fundamental emergence, whereas ""starting to exist"" might suggest a more abrupt or discrete initiation.