existing on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existing on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is present or occurring in a particular state, condition, or location. Example: "The species is existing on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Tong had to get used to existing on a lot less little sleep.

The Guardian - Tech

The difference would be that instead of existing on a linear timeline, you'd be existing in a circular one.

Huffington Post

Ms. Abramovic lived there for 12 days, existing on water.

The New York Times

"Last year we were existing on the bare essentials".

The Guardian

I was existing on a balance of Starbucks and weed," he says while rolling a joint.

The Guardian - Music

Existing on an equal level with reality, it becomes a reality in itself.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

After all, airlines make money when passengers place expensive calls on existing on-board phones.

The New York Times

These new applications are intended to replace existing on-site software from companies like Microsoft and Oracle.

The New York Times

The move kicks up the competition between existing on-premises data storage companies and cloud service providers in several ways.

The New York Times

Importing existing on-line address books is a pain.

Forbes

Large enterprises will continue to adopt incremental pieces of cloud services to complement existing on-premises solutions.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "existing on", ensure the context clearly defines what is being relied upon or what surface something is present on. For example, "existing on a diet" or "existing on the fringes of society".

Common error

Avoid using "existing on" in contexts where more specific verbs like "living", "depending", or "residing" would provide greater clarity and precision. Overusing the phrase can make your writing vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existing on" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating a state of being, reliance, or the basis upon which something continues to be. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "existing on" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe states of being, dependence, or location. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. While commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, it's important to choose more specific verbs when greater clarity is needed. Alternatives like "living on", "dependent on", and "present on" can offer nuanced precision depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

living on

Focuses more on the act of sustaining life through a specific means.

subsisting on

Describes surviving with limited resources or under challenging conditions.

surviving on

Suggests managing to continue to live or exist, especially in difficult circumstances.

dependent on

Emphasizes reliance on something for survival or function.

present on

Highlights the physical presence or availability in a specific location.

thriving on

Suggests flourishing or excelling due to a particular element.

based on

Indicates a foundation or origin derived from something else.

operating on

Highlights the functional aspect and the energy source.

contingent on

Implies that existence or occurrence is conditional upon something.

active on

Describes an engagement or presence on a service or platform.

FAQs

How can I use "existing on" in a sentence?

The phrase "existing on" is used to describe a state of being, a reliance, or a location. For example, "The company is "existing on" a shoestring budget" or "The species is "existing on" the brink of extinction".

What is a good substitute for "existing on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "living on", "dependent on", or "present on" to convey similar meanings with slight nuances.

When is it appropriate to use "existing on" instead of "living on"?

"Existing on" is a broader term that can imply merely surviving, while "living on" typically suggests a more active or sustainable state. Use "existing on" when emphasizing the bare minimum required for survival or presence.

Is there a difference between "existing on" and "based on"?

Yes, ""existing on"" describes a state of being or reliance, whereas "based on" indicates that something is founded or derived from something else. They are not interchangeable.