does not really exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not really exist" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is not genuinely present or does not have a true existence, often in a philosophical or metaphorical context. Example: "Many argue that the concept of absolute truth does not really exist, as perspectives vary widely among individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The "average" movie does not really exist.

The New York Times

Of course, Mr. Godager's world does not really exist.

The New York Times - Tech

Equally, Dodgson believes misfortune does not really exist in business.

The Guardian

Oh, yes, one other thing — she does not really exist.

The New York Times

For Williams, her perfect point is one that does not really exist at all.

The New York Times

Trying to pretend that inequality does not really exist has led to disaster.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

"He doesn't really exist".

The New York Times

"Capitalism" doesn't really exist.

Independent

It doesn't really exist.

The New York Times

Perfection doesn't really exist.

The Guardian

Brad Pitt doesn't really exist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does not really exist" to express skepticism or disbelief about the tangible reality or substantiality of something. Ensure your context clearly indicates whether you're speaking literally or metaphorically.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "does not really exist" as it can become repetitive. Explore synonyms or more nuanced expressions to add variety and precision to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not really exist" functions as a declarative statement. It's used to express the absence of something in a tangible or conceptual sense, often serving to negate a previously held belief or assumption. Ludwig AI validates this usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not really exist" serves as a declarative statement used to express the absence of something in either a tangible or conceptual way. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in news media, science, and formal business settings. The phrase often functions to express skepticism or disbelief and invites critical examination. While the register leans toward neutral to formal, its adaptability allows for use in various contexts. Remember that while the expression is usable and correct, is important to explore related phrases and synonyms to add variety and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not actually real

Replaces "really" with "actually", emphasizing the lack of authenticity.

is not present in reality

Directly states the absence of something in the real world.

is merely a construct

Suggests that something is an artificial idea or concept, rather than something tangible.

is effectively nonexistent

Emphasizes that something, for all intents and purposes, does not exist.

is only theoretical

Implies something is based on theory but might not have practical existence.

is purely conceptual

Highlights that something only exists as an idea.

lacks substance

Indicates a lack of concrete or material existence.

is an illusion

Suggests something is deceptive and not what it appears to be.

is a figment of imagination

Highlights that something is purely imaginary and not based in reality.

is more fiction than fact

Indicates a stronger leaning toward being untrue or made-up.

FAQs

How can I use "does not really exist" in a sentence?

Use "does not really exist" to express that something isn't genuinely present or lacks true existence, often in a philosophical or metaphorical context. For example: "Some argue that objective morality "does not really exist"."

What can I say instead of "does not really exist"?

You can use alternatives like "is not actually real", "is merely a construct", or "is only theoretical" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "doesn't really exist" or "does not really exist"?

Both "doesn't really exist" and "does not really exist" are grammatically correct and acceptable. "Doesn't" is a contraction of "does not", making it more informal but perfectly suitable for most contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "does not really exist"?

The phrase "does not really exist" is appropriate when you wish to express doubt or denial about the genuine presence or reality of something. It can be used literally, such as when describing an extinct species, or metaphorically, such as when questioning the validity of a social construct.