existing

USAGE SUMMARY

Existing is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that currently exists. For example: "The existing framework will guide the development of this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The extended scope of the bill may follow some of the recommendations of the intelligence and security committee (ISC), which suggested in March that the entire existing surveillance legal framework should be replaced by a single new act of parliament.

The Guardian

"We have seen detainees' mental and physical health deteriorate in immigration detention and we fear for this man's wellbeing given his existing reported vulnerabilities".

The Guardian

She said the existing system made it unlikely that an immigration overhaul could unleash a new wave of illegal migration, like the surge since the amnesty of 1986.

The New York Times

Far more fossil fuels – about 2650GT – are held by state-owned companies, meaning that in total there are four to five times more fossil fuels in existing reserves than can be safely burned.

The Guardian

Last year the NT government struck a deal with Rio Tinto to make 250 empty houses available to support new and existing businesses as part of a new, co-funded economic development entity, but not for public housing.

The Guardian

She said: "It was very heartening to see the support being offered by Mr Clegg and the Lib Dems and the willingness to build on our existing relationship to continue working together building a fairer society.

The Guardian

The subsequent referral is made several weeks later, which adds even more time to the existing wait for his rheumatology outpatient appointment.

The Guardian

Any continuing support beyond 1 April will have to be funded from existing budgets.

The Guardian

Another sign of dissent could be detected in the last days of "really existing socialism", when protesting crowds sang official songs, including national anthems, to remind the powers of their unfulfilled promises.

The Guardian

However, she said the signature-gatherers for her initiative were often harassed by individuals who support trapping, and she would like to see additional protections put in place – and existing ones enforced – for them.

The Guardian

An existing state law already bars Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks from disclosing identifying information about hunters who kill bears, mountain lions or wolves.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing systems or policies, use "existing" to clearly indicate that they are currently operational or in effect. For example, "Evaluate the effectiveness of the existing protocols".

Common error

Do not use "existing" when the context already implies that something is current. For example, instead of saying "the existing current regulations", simply say "the current regulations" or "the existing regulations".

Linguistic Context

The word "existing" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to specify that they are currently in existence or in effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable word in written English. It adds specificity, indicating the current state of something, as seen in examples like "existing surveillance legal framework".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "existing" is a common adjective used to describe something that currently exists or is in effect. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English. It's frequently found in contexts such as news and media, formal and business writing, and even scientific publications. When using "existing", ensure that it adds necessary clarity and avoids redundancy. Alternatives like ""currently in place"" or ""present"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The high source quality and frequency of use, as evidenced by the numerous examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently in place

Replaces "existing" with an emphasis on the present state of being established or operational.

in existence

A more explicit way of stating that something exists, useful for clarity.

present

A simpler and more direct synonym for "existing", focusing on the fact of being in existence now.

in effect

Highlights that something is operational or binding at the current time, like a rule or law.

extant

A more formal synonym for "existing", often used in academic or legal contexts.

available

Emphasizes that something is accessible or ready for use, which may be implied by "existing".

established

Focuses on the sense that something has been set up or founded and continues to be.

surviving

Implies that something has persisted or endured over time and continues to exist.

ongoing

Highlights the continuing nature or active status of something that exists.

prevalent

Indicates that something is widespread or common in its existence, adding a dimension of frequency.

FAQs

How can I use "existing" in a sentence?

Use "existing" to describe something that currently exists or is in effect, such as "the "existing infrastructure"" or "the "existing laws"".

What are some alternatives to "existing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "currently in place", "present", or "in effect".

Is there a difference between "existing" and "extant"?

"Existing" is a more common term that indicates something currently exists. "Extant" is a more formal synonym often used in academic or legal contexts to mean something still exists, especially after facing a threat of extinction or destruction.

When should I use "existing" instead of "available"?

Use "existing" when you want to emphasize that something is already in place or operational. Use "available" when you want to emphasize that something is accessible or ready for use. For example, "the "existing resources"" vs. "the "available resources"".