cannot exist without

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot exist without" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that one thing is dependent on another for its existence or functionality. Example: "Love cannot exist without trust and communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

While they cannot exist without the existence of material things, once known, they can be conceived of without any reference to such objects.

SEP

Similarly, if a whole cannot exist without one of its parts existing, then there appears to be implicit commitment.

SEP

One cannot exist without the other.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Luxury cannot exist without a T-shirt.

The New York Times

Mass production cannot exist without mass consumption.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Others say he cannot exist without such attention.

The New York Times

Carnegie Hall cannot exist without large private donations, gratefully received.

The New Yorker

But the Internet (and television) cannot exist without advertising.

The New York Times

Love in all its forms cannot exist without tragedy.

The New Yorker

"Democracy cannot exist without opposition," Mr. Arinc said.

The New York Times

This relation is such that one of the relations cannot exist without the other (e.g., a whole cannot exist without the parts).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot exist without", ensure that the relationship between the two entities is clearly defined and logically sound. Avoid using it in contexts where the dependence is weak or ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot exist without" when a weaker relationship exists. For instance, saying "a business cannot exist without social media" might be an overstatement, as some businesses can thrive through word-of-mouth or other marketing strategies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot exist without" functions as a relational expression, indicating a necessary condition for the existence of something. Ludwig's examples show its use across diverse subjects from abstract concepts to physical entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot exist without" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate essential dependency. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse domains like science, media, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure that the dependency being expressed is accurate and avoids overstatement. Related phrases, such as "is dependent on" or "is reliant on", offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis. Therefore, the phrase is a powerful tool for expressing necessary relationships, but care should be taken to use it precisely and avoid hyperbole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is impossible without

Emphasizes the impossibility of one thing existing if another does not.

is reliant on

Similar to "is dependent on", but can imply a stronger sense of dependence.

is dependent on

Directly states that one thing relies on another for its existence or function.

requires the presence of

Focuses on the necessity of something being present for another thing to exist.

is contingent upon

Emphasizes the conditional nature of existence, highlighting that something's existence relies on a specific condition being met.

cannot function without

Focuses on the functionality of something, stating it cannot operate correctly without the other.

is predicated on

Suggests a logical or foundational reliance, where one thing is based on or derived from another.

hinges on

Suggests that the outcome or existence of something completely depends on another.

necessitates the existence of

Highlights that one thing makes the existence of another unavoidable or essential.

is bound up with

Indicates a close and inseparable connection, where the existence of one is intrinsically linked to the other.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot exist without" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot exist without" to show the dependence of one thing on another. For example, "Democracy "cannot exist without opposition"."

What phrases are similar to "cannot exist without"?

Similar phrases include "is dependent on", "is reliant on", or "is impossible without". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "cannot exist with" instead of "cannot exist without"?

No, "cannot exist with" does not convey the intended meaning of dependence. The correct phrase to use is "cannot exist without" to show that one thing is essential for the existence of another.

Can "cannot exist without" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "cannot exist without" is suitable for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and widely used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts. You can also use more formal alternatives such as "is predicated on".