does not quite exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not quite exist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not fully present or is ambiguous in nature. Example: "The concept of a perfect society does not quite exist in reality, as every society has its flaws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We're planting the seeds of nurture capital," he said, an industry, he acknowledged, "that does not quite exist yet".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She doesn't quite exist, either.

The New Yorker

That reality doesn't quite exist yet in the United States.

The New York Times

It also has its own swimming pool, a compensatory luxury in a neighborhood, Riverside South, that doesn't quite exist yet.

The New York Times

"There's a perception of crime that obviously doesn't quite exist here the way it is portrayed".

The New York Times

I want to create a certain sort of world that doesn't quite exist, to imagine something new.

The Guardian - Film

Davies recently said that he doesn't understand the modern world, preferring a romantic version "that doesn't quite exist anymore".

The Guardian - Film

By Jean Pedrick The New Yorker, March 12 , 1960P. 52 How real the man is who doesn't quite exist in one's life, View Article By Phil Klay By Troy Patterson By John Cassidy By Amy Davidson Sorkin.

The New Yorker

Driving the cab into Heathrow, Dave thinks that the submachine guns of the armed police look "like necklaces on their Kevlar decolletage", a gruelling search for a simile which doesn't quite exist.

The Guardian - Books

"In New York you can bump into a playwright walking down the street, but Peter and I knew fewer people here, and that same concentration of writers doesn't quite exist in a spread-out area like greater Boston," Ms. Timmel said.

The New York Times

Then there are the "joys" of trying to sell to manufacturers, consumers and businesses around the world a product that doesn't quite exist yet.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does not quite exist" to describe concepts, entities, or realities that are in the process of forming or are not yet fully defined. It's effective for highlighting ambiguity or potential.

Common error

Avoid using "does not quite exist" when the subject is entirely absent. This phrase implies partial existence or a nascent state, not complete non-existence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not quite exist" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun or concept to indicate its incomplete or emerging state. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and is used to describe something that is not fully present. Examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from abstract concepts to tangible realities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not quite exist" effectively communicates that something is not fully realized or is in a state of emergence. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and its prevalence across sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and Huffington Post underscores its common usage. When using this phrase, ensure the subject has some presence or potential for existence, avoiding its application to subjects that are entirely absent. Remember that using alternative phrases like "scarcely exists" or "barely exists" can help refine the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcely exists

Highlights the rarity or limited presence of something, implying it's on the verge of non-existence.

barely exists

Indicates a minimal level of existence, emphasizing fragility and potential disappearance.

hardly exists

Suggests that something's existence is questionable due to its insignificant manifestation.

is virtually nonexistent

Emphasizes the absence of something to such a degree that it's practically as good as non-existent.

is almost nonexistent

Similar to 'virtually nonexistent' but with slightly less emphasis on complete absence.

is on the verge of extinction

Focuses on the impending end of something's existence, particularly in a biological or abstract sense.

is fading into obscurity

Highlights the gradual disappearance of something from public awareness or practical relevance.

lacks a strong presence

Focuses on the weakness or ineffectiveness of something's presence, rather than outright non-existence.

is more theoretical than practical

Suggests that something is conceivable but not yet fully functional or implemented in real-world scenarios.

remains largely conceptual

Implies that something is still in the idea stage and hasn't been developed beyond initial concepts.

FAQs

What does "does not quite exist" mean?

It means something is not fully formed, realized, or established. It suggests a state of partial existence or potential rather than complete absence.

When is it appropriate to use "does not quite exist"?

Use it when describing something that's emerging, evolving, or whose existence is tenuous or ambiguous. It's often used for concepts, new technologies, or social trends that aren't fully defined.

Which is better, "does not exist" or "does not quite exist"?

"Does not exist" implies complete absence, while "does not quite exist" suggests partial or incomplete existence. The better choice depends on the context.

Are there alternatives to "does not quite exist"?

Yes, consider phrases like "scarcely exists", "barely exists", or "hardly exists" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.