can barely exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can barely exist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a very limited presence or is on the verge of not being able to continue. Example: "In such harsh conditions, life can barely exist, making survival a constant struggle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The artifice of the theatre reflects the self-consciousness of this eternally wandering everyman, who has become so aware of his own fragile existence that now he can barely exist at all.

The Guardian

Yet in doing so, she tacitly acknowledged that short films in general - and these in particular - can barely exist these days outside of the cloistered environment of a festival such as this one.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Hamilton Academical and Dundee can barely be separated.

BBC

We can barely be told it enough.

WikiHow

It explains how you can feel as if you barely exist when in front of a keeper of these records, whether a doctor or a clerk at your local motor vehicle agency.

The New York Times

Because mortgages barely exist in Argentina, many families have to hold on to land for years before they can afford to build, he says.

The Economist

Government services barely exist.

The New York Times

Pension funds barely exist.

The Economist

They barely exist.

The Guardian

School programmes barely exist.

The Guardian

You barely exist".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can barely exist" to describe situations where something's presence is minimal and threatened, such as species facing habitat loss or small businesses struggling in a recession.

Common error

Avoid using "can barely exist" in contexts that are only slightly challenging. This phrase conveys a sense of near non-existence, so reserve it for situations where the struggle is truly significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can barely exist" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of minimal or precarious existence. Ludwig examples show its use in describing short films and the self-consciousness of an everyman, and Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can barely exist" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, indicating a state of minimal or precarious existence. While its frequency is uncommon, it finds its primary usage in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for situations that genuinely reflect near non-existence and consider alternatives like "hardly exist" or "scarcely exist" for nuanced expression. Ludwig's examples further illustrate its application in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardly exist

Focuses on the scarcity or near absence of something.

scarcely exist

Emphasizes the rarity or infrequency of existence.

just manage to exist

Highlights the struggle and minimal success in maintaining existence.

only just exist

Indicates existing by the narrowest margin.

tenuously exist

Stresses the fragility and instability of existence.

marginally exist

Implies existence at the very edge or periphery.

barely survive

Shifts focus to the act of surviving under difficult circumstances.

struggle to exist

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in maintaining existence.

be on the verge of extinction

Highlights the risk of disappearing entirely.

lead a precarious existence

Focuses on the uncertain and insecure nature of existence.

FAQs

How to use "can barely exist" in a sentence?

You can use "can barely exist" to describe something that has a very limited presence or is on the verge of not being able to continue. For example: "In such harsh conditions, life "can barely exist", making survival a constant struggle."

What can I say instead of "can barely exist"?

You can use alternatives like "hardly exist", "scarcely exist", or "just manage to exist" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can barely exist" or "can hardly exist"?

Both "can barely exist" and "can hardly exist" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "can barely exist" and "barely survive"?

"Can barely exist" focuses on the state of existence being minimal or fragile. "Barely survive", on the other hand, emphasizes the act of surviving with great difficulty. They are related but highlight different aspects of a challenging situation.