continue to exist

USAGE SUMMARY

"continue to exist" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you are trying to convey that some entity or situation is still in existence; for example, "The company has continued to exist through two recessions and several periods of economic volatility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We will continue to exist for them".

The Guardian

"If networks even continue to exist".

The New York Times - Arts

But does it continue to exist forever?

Yale University

Does it continue to exist forever?

Yale University

The two "real" museums will of course continue to exist.

The New York Times - Arts

But I've every expectation that literature will continue to exist.

The Guardian - Books

How else would Manhattan Mini Storage continue to exist?

The New York Times

I don't know quite why it should continue to exist".

The New York Times

"You can't have such a bifurcated market continue to exist".

The New York Times

The two performers said Pussy Riot will continue to exist.

The Guardian - Music

For as long as we continue to exist, anyway.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continue to exist", ensure the context clearly establishes what is doing the continuing and what would cause it to cease existing otherwise. For instance, "Despite the economic downturn, the small business continued to exist." provides a clear subject and a potential threat to its existence.

Common error

Avoid using "continue to exist" in overly generic statements. Instead of saying "Life will continue to exist", be more specific: "Life as we know it will continue to exist, even with climate change" provides a more meaningful and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to exist" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the ongoing state or persistence of a subject. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys that something is still in existence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

23%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "continue to exist" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the ongoing presence or persistence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse contexts, spanning from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While synonyms like "remain in existence" or "persist" can be used, it's crucial to maintain contextual relevance and avoid vague statements for clarity. Using "continue to exist" effectively requires a clear subject and an understanding of the factors influencing its endurance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain in existence

Emphasizes the state of being present, without necessarily implying continuation from a previous state.

persist

Implies a continued existence despite challenges or difficulties.

endure

Suggests a long-lasting existence, often withstanding hardship.

live on

Often used in the context of legacy or memory, implying a continued existence in influence or remembrance.

survive

Highlights the ability to continue existing through a threatening situation.

stay alive

Focuses on the basic continuation of life, often in a precarious state.

carry on

Indicates a continuation of activity or function, implying that existence is linked to that activity.

be sustained

Highlights the support or resources necessary for continued existence.

hold out

Implies resisting pressure or opposition to maintain existence.

keep going

Focuses on the active effort required to maintain existence or operation.

FAQs

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

Use "continue to exist" to indicate that something is still present or functioning. For example, "Despite the new regulations, small businesses "continue to exist"."

What are some alternatives to "continue to exist"?

You can use alternatives like "remain in existence", "persist", or "endure" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "continue to exist" and "continue existing"?

"Continue to exist" is the more common and grammatically standard form. "Continue existing" is less frequent, though understandable. Using "continue to exist" typically results in a more formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use "continue to exist" rather than "survive"?

Use "continue to exist" when emphasizing the ongoing state of something. Use "survive" when emphasizing the ability to overcome a threat or difficult situation to remain in existence.