believed to exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "believed to exist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is thought or assumed to be present or real, often in contexts involving theories, hypotheses, or beliefs. Example: "The lost city is believed to exist somewhere beneath the jungle, hidden from modern explorers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Fewer than 100 copies are believed to exist.

The New York Times

But Defra sources said only 1,450 badgers were now believed to exist in the area.

The Guardian

Indeed only around 15 genuine Da Vinci works are believed to exist today.

The Guardian - Arts

Large amounts of frozen water are also believed to exist in deep craters there.

The New York Times - Science

The result is that a complete run of Coronation Street is believed to exist.

Independent

A global liquid ocean is believed to exist beneath the frozen crust of the moon, which is 300m (500km) wide.

The Guardian

Of the 8,000 languages and dialects believed to exist, Global Recordings has now produced Christian propaganda in more than 5,485 of them.

The New York Times - Arts

But concentrating enough energy to create the ultraheavy ghosts believed to exist will require a mammoth machine, a multibillion-dollar investment.

The New York Times - Science

New research on copper reserves shows that 100 years of supply are now available, up from the 30 previously believed to exist.

The Guardian

The primary mission of the Phoenix is to dig into an ice layer believed to exist a few inches below the surface.

The New York Times - Science

Psychopaths are as old as Cain, and they are believed to exist in all cultures, although they are more prevalent in individualistic societies in the West.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "believed to exist" when you want to convey that the existence of something is based on belief or indirect evidence, rather than concrete proof. It's useful in contexts where uncertainty is involved.

Common error

Avoid using "believed to exist" when there is definitive proof of something's existence. In such cases, stating the existence as a fact is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "believed to exist" functions as a verbal phrase used to express that something is thought or assumed to be real or present, even without definitive proof. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "believed to exist" is a versatile expression indicating that something's existence is predicated on belief or indirect evidence, as noted by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse reputable sources solidify its reliability. It functions to convey uncertainty or a lack of definitive proof and is suitable for use in a range of contexts, though definitive factual claims should be stated directly. Alternatives include "thought to be present" or "presumed to be real", depending on the desired nuance. Its common occurrence in news and scientific contexts suggests a neutrally formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thought to be present

Focuses on the mental assessment of presence, rather than existence itself.

presumed to be real

Emphasizes an assumption of reality, often without concrete proof.

considered to be extant

A more formal and scientific way to indicate something continues to exist.

understood to prevail

Highlights the broad understanding or acceptance of a current condition.

deemed to be living

Specifically refers to living entities and the judgment of their living status.

reported to be found

Indicates the existence is based on a reported discovery.

alleged to be situated

Suggests an unproven claim about the location of something.

speculated to remain

Implies a degree of uncertainty or conjecture about continued existence.

posited to occur

Suggests a theoretical basis for the existence or occurrence of something.

surmised to be present

Expresses a conclusion or guess about the presence of something, based on limited evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "believed to exist" to describe something whose existence is accepted but not definitively proven. For instance, "A global liquid ocean is "believed to exist" beneath the frozen crust of the moon."

What are some alternatives to "believed to exist"?

Alternatives include "thought to be present", "presumed to be real", or "considered to be extant", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "believed to exist", or are there situations where it's not suitable?

It's best to avoid "believed to exist" when definitive evidence confirms something's existence. In those cases, it's better to state the existence directly. For instance, avoid saying "The Earth is "believed to exist"".

What's the difference between "believed to exist" and "known to exist"?

"Believed to exist" implies that the existence is based on belief or indirect evidence, whereas "known to exist" indicates that the existence is confirmed and supported by evidence. For example, the Loch Ness Monster is "believed to exist", while the platypus is "known to exist".