existed like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existed like" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or unclear.
It could be used in a context where you are comparing the existence of something to another state or condition, but it would require additional clarification for proper understanding. Example: "The ancient ruins existed like shadows of a forgotten past."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Nothing existed like the internet.

The Guardian - Music

This is because we never really existed like a family.

The Guardian - Arts

The theme from The Persuaders was – ignoring the James Bond theme, which existed like air – my introduction to the John Barry sound.

The Guardian - Music

When I went to Lecoq, nothing else existed like it in Australia, but now we have the VCA, which we need to cherish.

The Guardian - Film

Smith retains the mystery of a pop star who found fame long before the Internet existed: like his hero David Bowie, Smith is a public icon whose private life remains so.

The New Yorker

It introduced his work to many who could not see it in person, either because of location or because it no longer existed, like the nearly empty room at MoMA.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Turf battles exist, like elsewhere.

Insights into Imaging

I love solutions to problems that don't really exist, like, say, wanting my shower head to control my MP3s.

TechCrunch

Do not have hybrid children in stories about Fandoms where hybrids would probably not exist, like Pokemon.

WikiHow

They believe objective moral truths exist, like mathematical truths, independently of our existence or ability to grasp them.

The New York Times

Do retired novelists exist, like retired accountants?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "existed like", ensure the comparison is clear and adds value to the sentence. Be mindful that more direct comparisons such as "was similar to" might be clearer.

Common error

Avoid using "existed like" without a direct and meaningful comparison. Overusing it can make your writing sound vague and less impactful. Instead, use more precise language to describe the similarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existed like" functions as a comparative expression, indicating that something's existence shared characteristics with something else. However, Ludwig notes that it can sound awkward, and more direct comparisons might be preferable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "existed like" is a grammatically acceptable phrase used to draw comparisons about the manner of existence. However, as Ludwig points out, the phrase can often sound awkward. Therefore, it's advisable to consider clearer and more direct alternatives such as "was similar to", "resembled", or "functioned like" depending on the specific context. The phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts, but being mindful of its potential awkwardness is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Was similar to

Replaces "existed like" with a more direct comparison of similarity.

Was akin to

Uses a more formal synonym for "similar", indicating a parallel existence.

Resembled in its existence

Emphasizes the resemblance in the manner of existence.

Mirrored the state of

Suggests a close parallel or reflection in terms of being.

Shared traits with

Focuses on shared characteristics rather than the overall existence.

Was comparable to

Indicates a degree of comparability in their existences.

Had a similar presence to

Highlights the similarity in their presence or impact.

Functioned like

Focuses on the functional similarity rather than the existential one.

Operated in a way similar to

Describes the operational similarity between two entities or concepts.

Displayed characteristics akin to

Emphasizes similar characteristics between different entities, deviating from the straight existence.

FAQs

What does "existed like" mean?

The phrase "existed like" suggests a similarity in the way something existed compared to something else. However, it's often more effective to use clearer alternatives such as "was similar to" or "resembled".

How can I use "existed like" in a sentence?

While grammatically acceptable, "existed like" can sound awkward. A better construction might be: "The ancient civilization existed much "as did" its contemporaries."

What are some alternatives to "existed like"?

Consider using alternatives such as "was akin to", "shared traits with", or "functioned like" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "existed like" grammatically correct?

Yes, it's grammatically correct, but it might not be the most elegant choice. Ludwig AI suggests that it is acceptable, but alternatives may provide clearer and more impactful writing.