existence proof

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existence proof" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts related to mathematics, logic, or philosophy when demonstrating that something exists. For example, "The mathematician provided an existence proof for the solution to the equation." Alternative expressions include "demonstration of existence" and "proof of existence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

We highlight Ashlyn's multiple stances toward mathematics as an existence proof of the context dependence that may exist in biology students' epistemological stances.

CBE Life Sciences Education

With Johnson, scientists can perform an "existence proof": if she can do a mental task, then it doesn't require the hippocampus.

The New Yorker

But the lasting importance of Nash's contribution wasn't the existence proof, it was the idea of a "Nash equilibrium," or, as it is sometimes called, a best-response equilibrium.

The New Yorker

Even words that seem as if they would have been around for the dawn of the language can be traced back to writers who felt a need for them and didn't stop to do an existence proof: Samuel Taylor Coleridge used the word agasp (meaning "eager") way back in 1800.

The New York Times

It's an existence proof that's personally inspiring.

TechCrunch

The existence proof is completed.

Boundary Value Problems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

He was the first to doubt the significance of nonconstructive existence proofs (proofs that show something must exist, often by using a proof through contradiction, but that give no method of producing them), and for many years he carried on a polemic against the analytic school of the German mathematician Karl Weierstrass concerning these proofs and other points of classical analysis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He sought general existence proofs, rather than "constructive proofs" that actually produce the objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Turk-Browne told me that Johnson's brain could provide yet more "existence proofs".

The New Yorker

However, constructive analysis remains on the fringes of the mathematical mainstream, probably because most mathematicians accept classical existence proofs and see no need for the additional mathematical baggage involved in carrying out analysis constructively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The main stages are simply stated: the opening of religious tradition to scholarly critique by Luther; the conclusive demonstration of the unworkability of existence proofs of God by Kant; the absorption of religion into secular philosophy by Hegel; and the announcement of what had become obvious by Nietzsche.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "existence proof" when you want to show that something is possible or real by providing a concrete example or demonstration. For example, "The success of the project served as an existence proof that the new strategy could work."

Common error

Don't use "existence proof" interchangeably with "proof of concept". An "existence proof" simply demonstrates that something is possible, whereas a "proof of concept" validates the feasibility of an idea or method.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existence proof" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it is correctly used to demonstrate that something exists or is possible. Its primary function is to assert the reality or potentiality of a concept or entity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "existence proof" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed to demonstrate the possibility or reality of something. While often confused with "proof of concept", it's crucial to remember that an "existence proof" merely showcases possibility, not necessarily feasibility. When writing, consider alternative phrases like "proof of concept" or "demonstration of possibility" to add variety and nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proof of concept

Focuses on demonstrating the feasibility of an idea rather than the existence of something.

demonstration of possibility

Highlights the act of showing that something is possible, emphasizing the potential rather than confirmed existence.

validation of existence

Emphasizes the act of confirming that something exists, stressing verification over mere demonstration.

confirmation of reality

Similar to validation, but focuses on the confirmation of something real and tangible.

empirical evidence

Refers to evidence gathered through observation or experimentation, used to support the existence of something.

practical demonstration

Highlights the real-world aspect of showing something to exist or be possible.

real-world example

Focuses on showcasing a concrete instance that proves the existence of a phenomenon.

proof of actuality

Emphasizes proving that something is actually happening or existing in reality.

exhibition of viability

Shows that something can work or survive, emphasizing its capacity for success.

manifestation of being

Highlights the expression or appearance of something's existence, often in a philosophical context.

FAQs

What does "existence proof" mean?

An "existence proof" is a demonstration that something exists, or is possible, by providing a specific example or construction. It doesn't necessarily provide a method for finding or creating other instances, just that one such instance is possible.

How is an "existence proof" used in mathematics?

In mathematics, an "existence proof" demonstrates that a solution to a particular problem exists, without necessarily providing a method for finding that solution. Non-constructive existence proofs are particularly interesting, as they demonstrate existence without providing a specific example.

What are some alternatives to saying "existence proof"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "proof of concept", "demonstration of possibility", or "validation of existence".

Is "existence proof" the same as "proof of concept"?

No, while related, they aren't the same. An "existence proof" shows that something is possible, while a "proof of concept" demonstrates the feasibility and practicality of an idea or method.