existence or nonexistence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existence or nonexistence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about the state of being or the presence versus absence of something. Example: "Philosophers often debate the nature of existence or nonexistence in relation to consciousness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

So, considered in either of these ways, the event may or may not exist: its existence or nonexistence hangs in the balance.

SEP

It calls "problems" those propositions whose aim is to produce, bring into view, or construct what in a sense does not exist, and "theorems" those whose purpose is to see, identify, and demonstrate the existence or nonexistence of an attribute".

SEP

But you can ask whether the existence or nonexistence of God is more consistent with your experience.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yes, he conceded there had been some "confusion" over the existence, or nonexistence, of a 300-page document.

The New York Times

I was touched because (putting aside questions of existence or nonexistence) the God that the Pope worships is not a cruel, vain, surpassingly egomaniacal tyrant.

The New Yorker

In the later Hellenistic period, the third and second centuries BC, the nature and existence or nonexistence of the gods was reconsidered by many schools of philosophy.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Lars Gustafsson's Historien med hunden, set in Austin, Texas, was a metaphysical thriller about the existence--or nonexistence--of God (and the indubitable existence of evil).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kimmel tried to use the existence ― or nonexistence ― of such an agreement to get a straight answer out of Daniels. .

Huffington Post

The ANN had one output with values corresponding to the existence (1) or nonexistence (0) of pesticides of the organophosphates group.

BioMed Research International

Similarly to the other models, the ANN had one output with values corresponding to the existence (1) or nonexistence (0) of pesticides of the carbamates group.

BioMed Research International

Similarly to the initial models, the ANN had one output with values corresponding to the existence (1) or nonexistence (0) of pesticides of the pyrethroid group.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing philosophical or abstract concepts, using "existence or nonexistence" can add a formal and precise tone. Ensure the context warrants this level of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "existence or nonexistence" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly academic or pretentious. Simpler terms like "being there" or "presence" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existence or nonexistence" functions as a noun phrase expressing a binary state of something either existing or not existing. Ludwig AI shows it is primarily used in philosophical and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "existence or nonexistence" is a grammatically sound phrase primarily utilized in formal contexts such as science, news, and encyclopedias. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase serves to explore the ontological status of something, often in discussions related to philosophy and abstract concepts. While grammatically correct, the use of this phrase should be carefully considered in informal settings, as simpler alternatives may be more suitable. Related phrases include "being or non-being" and "presence or absence", offering similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When used appropriately, "existence or nonexistence" can add a layer of precision to discussions about the nature of reality and being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being or non-being

Emphasizes the philosophical aspect of existence versus the lack thereof, using more concise terms.

presence or absence

Focuses on the state of being present versus not being present, applicable in various contexts.

reality or unreality

Highlights the contrast between what is real and what is not, suitable in discussions about perception or illusion.

actuality or potentiality

Contrasts what currently exists with what is possible but not yet realized.

validity or invalidity

Addresses the correctness or incorrectness of a claim, concept or result.

truth or falsehood

Focuses on whether something is true or false, often used in logical or factual contexts.

occurrence or non-occurrence

Highlights whether an event or phenomenon takes place or does not.

subsistence or annihilation

Emphasizes a stronger sense of being and destruction than simple existence.

verifiability or unverifiability

Highlights if something can be proved or not.

objective reality or subjective perception

Explores what truly exists versus our interpretation of it

FAQs

How can I use "existence or nonexistence" in a sentence?

Use "existence or nonexistence" when discussing the state of something being real versus not real. For example, "The debate centered on the "existence or nonexistence" of dark matter."

What's a simpler way to say "existence or nonexistence"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "being or non-being", "presence or absence", or "reality or unreality" as simpler alternatives to "existence or nonexistence".

In what fields is the phrase "existence or nonexistence" commonly used?

The phrase "existence or nonexistence" is commonly used in philosophy, science, and law when discussing theoretical concepts, evidence, or possibilities.

Is there a difference between using "existence or non-existence" versus "existence or nonexistence"?

While both forms are understandable, "existence or nonexistence" is more common and preferred. The hyphenated version, "existence or non-existence", is less frequently used but not incorrect.