except that it exists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except that it exists" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a condition or exception regarding the existence of something, often in a context where existence is the only distinguishing factor. Example: "I would love to visit that place, except that it exists only in my imagination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Except that it exists at all.

The New York Times

"It's a general education high school, except that it exists in a Muslim culture and with a Muslim sensibility.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

MGM executives decline to say when they'll be releasing these Bond DVD's -- or anything else about the project, except to confirm that it exists.

The New York Times

It's more or less the house of tomorrow, except that it only exists on paper recyclable paper.

TechCrunch

This is a substance of which almost nothing is known, except that it must exist, because its gravity is necessary to keep galaxies from flying apart.Dark doingsThe third bit of news from BOOMERANG and MAXIMA is that this dark matter cannot be just a heap of burnt-out or unlit ordinary matter.

The Economist

Hence, if one were to compare two beings, both equally great in all respects except that one exists and one does not, the one that does not exist, by virtue of its non-existence, is lacking a predicate that contributes to the greatness of the other.

SEP

The graph version of the problem remains the same except that edges only exist between two vertices that correspond to subsequences whose Hamming distance is at most 2 d (since otherwise they cannot both be implanted instances of the same pattern).

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Except that within it, somewhere, like diamonds, exist the fragments that refuse to be consumed.

The New York Times - Books

"There is no truth except the truth that exists within you.

Huffington Post

The results for talker location 2 are similar, except that there exists a systematic increase in RMS error.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Hence, a being than which no greater can be conceived except that it only ever creates n universes exists.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except that it exists" to introduce a unique condition where the mere existence of something is the surprising or noteworthy aspect. For example, "The plan is perfect, "except that it exists" only on paper."

Common error

Avoid using "except that it exists" when the exception is not the existence itself, but rather a quality or characteristic associated with the existing entity. For example, instead of saying "The book is great, "except that it exists"," say "The book is great, except that it's too long."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except that it exists" functions as a conjunctive phrase introducing an exception or qualification to a preceding statement. It emphasizes that the very existence of something is the noteworthy or surprising element. Ludwig confirms the validity and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "except that it exists" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, albeit not very common. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase adds a specific, often ironic, nuance where the existence itself is the key exception. It appears more frequently in news and media contexts, and while grammatically correct, writers should ensure the exception genuinely relates to existence and not other attributes. Consider alternatives like "aside from the fact that it exists" or "apart from its existence" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

save that it exists

Replaces 'except' with 'save', maintaining the conditional exception.

other than that it exists

Similar to 'aside from', offering a straightforward alternative.

aside from the fact that it exists

Emphasizes the 'fact' of existence as the exception.

with the exception of its existence

Formal rephrasing, emphasizing existence as the sole exception.

excluding the fact that it exists

Uses 'excluding' to focus on omitting the fact of existence.

apart from its existence

Changes the conjunction to a prepositional phrase, focusing on exclusion.

excepting its very existence

Highlights the fundamental nature of existence as the exception.

but for its existence

A more concise way of expressing 'were it not for'.

but it exists

Uses a simple conjunction to highlight existence as a contrasting point.

were it not for its existence

Introduces a hypothetical scenario where existence is the key factor.

FAQs

How can I use "except that it exists" in a sentence?

Use "except that it exists" when you want to point out that the very fact something exists is the only or primary exception to a statement. For example, "There's no reason for this law to be in place, "except that it exists".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "except that it exists"?

Alternatives include "aside from the fact that it exists", "apart from its existence", or "but it exists". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "except that it exists"?

Yes, "except that it exists" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure, using "except that" as a conjunction introducing a clause.

When should I not use the phrase "except that it exists"?

Avoid using "except that it exists" when the issue isn't the existence itself, but some other attribute. For example, use phrases like "except that it is" + adjective or "except that there is".