continued to exist

USAGE SUMMARY

"continued to exist" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It expresses the idea that something has maintained its existence over a period of time. Here is an example of how it can be used in a sentence: "After the destruction caused by the hurricane, many homes were destroyed, but some continued to exist, standing tall amidst the wreckage."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It did not explain the observable fact that, notwithstanding continual changes, a total order of specific forms continued to exist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hence, the dynasty continued to exist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But apartheid continued to exist, propped up by the Tories.

The Guardian - Opinion

The administrative divisions themselves continued to exist as provisional units.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Christians continued to exist in China, but they suffered grievously.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The question of whether the Puyallups' reservation continued to exist was not reached.

Cornell University

Original Distribution: Plague has continued to exist within focal endemic wildlife population throughout the world.

Columbia University

And a strong social segregation along racial lines continued to exist.

The Guardian

Tribal governments were effectively dissolved in 1906 but have continued to exist in a limited form.

Britannica

After Pakistan attained independence in 1947, the region continued to exist as a separate Pakistani province.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Racial discrimination obviously continues to exist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continued to exist" to emphasize the unbroken continuity of something over a specific period, especially when contrasting it with potential disruption or termination.

Common error

Avoid using "continued to exist" when a simpler past tense verb like "existed" suffices, especially if the continuity isn't the primary focus. For example, instead of writing "The tradition continued to exist for centuries", you might prefer to say, "The tradition existed for centuries", unless you want to highlight that it could have potentially been interrupted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continued to exist" functions as a verb phrase indicating the persistence of something over time. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe the sustained presence of entities, conditions, or phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

27%

News & Media

26%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Science

17%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continued to exist" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the unbroken persistence of something over time, often contrasting it with potential disruptions. Its usage spans various contexts, most commonly in encyclopedias, news articles, and academic texts, denoting a neutral to formal register. When using "continued to exist", ensure it emphasizes uninterrupted continuity; otherwise, a simpler past tense verb like "existed" may suffice. Related phrases include "remained in existence" and "persisted", offering nuanced alternatives. This phrase serves to underscore the sustained presence or function of an entity, condition, or phenomenon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained in existence

Emphasizes the state of being in existence without interruption.

persisted

Highlights the ongoing nature of existence, often against challenges.

endured

Implies surviving through difficult times or conditions.

survived

Focuses on the act of staying alive or functional.

carried on

Indicates the continuation of an activity or state.

sustained itself

Emphasizes self-maintenance and continuation.

held on

Suggests a tenacious grip on existence.

stayed alive

Simple affirmation of continued life or functionality.

never ceased to be

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of existence.

was still around

Informal way of expressing continued presence or existence.

FAQs

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

You can use "continued to exist" to describe something that remained in existence over a period of time. For example, "Despite the challenges, the organization "continued to exist"."

What are some alternatives to "continued to exist"?

Alternatives include "remained in existence", "persisted", or "endured", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "continues to exist"?

Yes, "continues to exist" is grammatically correct and describes something that is still in existence at the present time. It is similar in meaning to ""continued to exist"" but emphasizes the present.

What's the difference between "continued to exist" and "ceased to exist"?

"Continued to exist" means something remained in existence, while "ceased to exist" means something stopped existing. They are antonyms.