ceasing to exist

USAGE SUMMARY

"ceasing to exist" is a correct phrase that is used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the end of something or to mean something has been destroyed. For example, "The ancient city of Machu Picchu is in danger of ceasing to exist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Death, of ceasing to exist.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The worst part of dying, I imagine, is ceasing to exist.

The New Yorker

It is the sound of a woman hugging the possibility of ceasing to exist.

The New York Times

On the way out, crossing a raised platform covered with linoleum, you may notice water falling drop by drop on a heated square, incessantly ceasing to exist.

The New York Times

Unless we expose the arts to the cultures that are immigrating to the United States, the arts are in great danger of ceasing to exist.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not a question of whether this will make things better or worse, it's more that the whole idea of "better" may be gradually ceasing to exist.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

It ceased to exist.

The New Yorker

That district ceased to exist in January.

The Economist

Since 1995 it has ceased to exist.

The Economist

The Republican Party would cease to exist.

The New Yorker

It formally ceased to exist in 1817.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ceasing to exist" when you want to express the complete termination or end of something, whether it is a physical object, an idea, or a state of being. It conveys a sense of finality.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ceasing to exist" can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "ending" or "disappearing" for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ceasing to exist" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the state of termination or non-existence. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ceasing to exist" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the end or termination of something's existence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While versatile, its formality lends itself more to formal writing, academic discussions, and news reporting rather than casual conversation. Alternatives like "ending" or "disappearing" may be more appropriate in informal contexts. Its function as a gerund phrase allows it to act as a noun, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. The phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts. It is useful when you need to convey a sense of finality or complete termination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no longer existing

A straightforward alternative highlighting the absence of existence.

becoming nonexistent

This is a more literal and descriptive way of saying something no longer exists.

vanishing from existence

This intensifies the idea of disappearing, emphasizing the complete removal from existence.

coming to an end

This alternative focuses on the process of ending, rather than the state of non-existence.

terminating

This alternative suggests a more formal or abrupt ending.

passing away

This alternative is often used to refer euphemistically to death, particularly of a person.

being annihilated

This implies a complete and utter destruction, emphasizing the forcefulness of the ending.

disappearing

This focuses on the vanishing aspect, without necessarily implying complete destruction.

becoming extinct

Specifically used when referring to species or entities dying out completely.

suffering extinction

This alternative highlights the process or event leading to ceasing to exist, usually for species.

FAQs

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

You can use "ceasing to exist" to describe the end of something. For example, "The organization is in danger of "ceasing to exist" due to lack of funding."

What's a less formal way to say "ceasing to exist"?

Less formal ways to express the same idea include "ending", "disappearing", or "dying out", depending on the context.

What does it mean for something to be "becoming nonexistent"?

When something is "becoming nonexistent", it means it is in the process of "ceasing to exist". It is progressively losing its existence or reality.

Is "ceasing to exist" a common phrase in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "ceasing to exist" is more common in formal writing and academic discussions than in everyday conversation. Simpler alternatives are usually preferred in informal settings.