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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
below existing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "below existing" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to something that is situated beneath or subordinate to something that currently exists, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The new policy will be implemented below existing regulations."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
16 human-written examples
And, as I show below, existing empirical evidence indicates both that work tends to be a healthy activity for disabled individuals and that policies aimed at maintaining some work through periods of temporary disability significantly improve subsequent employment and earnings prospects.
Science
Thirteen of the 16 English Russell Group universities are below existing benchmarks for state school access.
News & Media
This represents a factor of 5 (or more) reduction below existing launch services.
Science
Consider the Prairie State Energy Campus, with more than $1 billion in clean coal technologies and criteria emissions some 80% below the existing coal fleet… along with a carbon dioxide emission rate some 40% below existing plants.
News & Media
"For a global mastodon like YouTube to further undermine the value of music to a level well below existing streaming services can spread like a virus and destroy the independent recording industry, labels and artists alike," said Kristoffer Rom, co-chairman of DUP in Denmark.
News & Media
More worryingly, even if robotaxis had an unrealistically high utilization rate and even if their investors lowered their profit expectations, the cost of providing safety oversight would need to be substantially reduced (to below existing minimum-wage levels) in order for robotaxi fares to be cost competitive with owning an older vehicle.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
44 human-written examples
As a basis for the discussion we will below compare to existing insurance premiums.
The sections below examine the existing disciplines under what are referred to as the "three pillars" of the AoA - domestic support, export competition and market access - and assess the progress made thus far in reducing trade-distorting support and protection to the sector.
Formal & Business
With the exception of one trial in patients with recent hip fracture, 19 evidence of the efficacy of treatment in reducing clinical fractures is limited to trials in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis defined by a female specific bone mineral density T score of –2.5 or below or with existing radiographic vertebral fractures.
Science
Snowboarding with a below-knee prosthesis is compromised by the limited rotation capabilities of the existing below-knee prostheses, which are designed for use in normal walking.
Science
If the commodity price falls below $32 ,existing facilities will make an operating loss.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
For improved clarity and grammatical correctness, replace "below existing" with options like "under current", "less than existing", or "lower than current" depending on the context.
Common error
Using "below existing" can create ambiguity. Instead of "below existing standards", specify what falls short, such as "emissions lower than current standards" or "prices under existing levels".
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "below existing" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to indicate a state or condition that is less than or subordinate to something that currently exists. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrasing is grammatically incorrect.
Frequent in
Science
42%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
8%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
4%
Wiki
4%
Academia
4%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "below existing" appears in various contexts, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect and suggests clearer alternatives. Its function is to indicate a state of being lower than current standards or levels. Although found in science, news, and formal business writing, it's advisable to use more precise and grammatically correct alternatives such as "under current" or "lower than existing" to avoid ambiguity. The frequency of the phrase is uncommon, and authoritative sources don't favor its usage.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
under existing
Replaces "below" with "under" to suggest a state of being subject to or governed by current conditions.
less than existing
Emphasizes the quantitative aspect, indicating a value or amount smaller than what currently exists.
beneath existing
Uses "beneath" for a more formal tone, implying a lower or subordinate position relative to what exists.
lower than existing
Directly states a comparison of being at a reduced level compared to the present state.
subordinate to existing
Highlights a hierarchical relationship, indicating a lower rank or importance compared to current entities.
inferior to existing
Implies a comparison of lesser quality or value compared to what is currently present.
falling short of existing
Indicates a failure to meet or reach the current level or standard.
not meeting existing
Emphasizes the lack of compliance or achievement relative to current standards or requirements.
outside existing
Suggests operating outside of current frameworks or systems.
contrary to existing
Indicates a direct opposition or conflict with what currently exists.
FAQs
What are some alternatives to the phrase "below existing"?
Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "under existing", "lower than existing", or "less than existing".
Is "below existing" grammatically correct?
According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "below existing" is grammatically incorrect. Consider rephrasing for better clarity and accuracy.
How can I use "below existing" in a sentence correctly?
While the phrase "below existing" isn't ideal, you can rephrase the sentence to use alternatives like "The temperature is "below the existing level"" or "The quality is "under the existing standards"".
What's the difference between "below existing" and "under existing"?
"Below existing" is grammatically awkward and less clear. "Under existing" is more commonly used and implies being subject to or governed by current conditions.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested