existed to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existed to be" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a purpose or reason for existence, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "He felt that he existed to be a source of inspiration for others."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Rhythm, for Motian, existed to be messed with.

The New Yorker

It existed to be seen and drooled over.

The New York Times

After their first blooming period, the Shakers existed to be remembered.

The New Yorker

"I didn't believe such a thing existed, to be honest with you," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

One particular find hints at how boundaries in Norse belief existed to be crossed as well as respected.

The Guardian - Arts

This meant payslips, promotions, pensions for tens of thousands of soldiers who'd never existed, to be carefully leaked as a deterrent to would-be invaders.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

They exist to be viewed.

Independent

Distances exist to be bridged.

The New Yorker

It exists to be different.

The Guardian

Desire exists to be thwarted.

The New Yorker

Words exist to be used to communicate.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more direct and grammatically standard alternatives like "meant to be", "designed to be", or "intended to be" for greater clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice construction with "existed" when expressing purpose. Instead of "existed to be", opt for active constructions that clearly state the subject and its intended function. For instance, prefer "was designed to" or "was created to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existed to be" functions as a connector phrase, linking the existence of something with its intended purpose or function. However, Ludwig AI flags it as potentially awkward or grammatically questionable, suggesting clearer alternatives might be preferable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "existed to be" is used to express the intended purpose of something's existence. While it appears in various contexts, including news and media, science, and encyclopedias, Ludwig AI indicates that it is often considered grammatically questionable. Alternatives like "meant to be", "designed to be", or "intended to be" may offer greater clarity and grammatical correctness. Therefore, while understanding its usage is valuable, writers should carefully consider more direct and precise alternatives for optimal communication. Pay attention to the context and rewrite your sentences to use more active and direct language. This will add clarity and strength to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meant to be

Suggests a predetermined destiny or intended outcome, implying a higher power or fate.

designed to be

Implies a deliberate plan or intention behind the existence of something.

created to be

Similar to "designed to be", but emphasizes the act of creation.

intended to be

Highlights the purpose or aim for which something was brought into being.

supposed to be

Indicates an expectation or obligation, often with a sense of duty.

destined to be

Similar to "meant to be", but with a stronger emphasis on fate and inevitability.

made to be

Suggests that something was specifically crafted or prepared for a particular purpose.

ordained to be

Implies a divine or authoritative command for something to exist.

fashioned to be

Highlights the process of shaping or forming something to fulfill a certain role.

predetermined to be

Emphasizes the pre-existing nature of a plan or destiny.

FAQs

What does "existed to be" mean?

The phrase "existed to be" is often used to express the purpose or intended function of something. However, it's often considered grammatically awkward. You might be looking for a better alternative.

What can I say instead of "existed to be"?

Consider using alternatives like "meant to be", "designed to be", or "created to be" for greater clarity.

Is it correct to say "existed to be"?

While the phrase "existed to be" appears in some contexts, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect or awkward. There are often clearer and more direct ways to express the same idea.

How can I improve my writing using "existed to be"?

Try to rephrase your sentences to use more active and direct language. Instead of saying something "existed to be" a certain way, explain who or what designed or intended it to be that way. This will add clarity and strength to your writing.