existing state of affairs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'existing state of affairs' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to the current situation or conditions. For example, "The existing state of affairs is unacceptable and must be improved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Hegel interprets Kant's categorical imperative as the ability of an individual's conscience to exceed the existing state of affairs.

Columbia University

And we have a better chance of attaining it if we take it to be a goal, rather than an existing state of affairs.

The New York Times

The impossibility of imagining a leftist alternative to the existing state of affairs – that is, the complete absence of a leftist programme – has encouraged the embracing of any politics hostile to the world as it is.

The Guardian - Opinion

The young people who voted so overwhelmingly against our party last time are people who believe in change - not change for change's sake but because they are dissatisfied with the existing state of affairs in Great Britain.

The Guardian

Polling in fact reveals that among those against independence, voters are split down the middle between those satisfied with the existing state of affairs and those who want a new relationship with Madrid, for example through a federal arrangement.

The Guardian

For centuries the question of whether the world is deterministic where every existing state of affairs is the inevitable consequence of previous states of affairs or random was a matter for philosophers and priests.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Thus, in this first stage of the actualist treatment of modality, ordinary possibility claims are analyzed in terms of actually existing states of affairs.

SEP

This distinction is replaced by an allegedly clear distinction between two kinds of existing states of affairs — those that obtain and those that don't).

SEP

"Reactionary" originally meant someone who opposed the French Revolution, and today the term generally refers to those who would like to return to some pre-existing state of affairs.

TechCrunch

And "restoring calm" is embarrassingly hollow since it promises nothing more than a return to the pre-existing state of affairs than spawned the violence, in the first place.

Huffington Post

But both Kumar and de Waal described the pre-existing state of affairs in South Sudan as a "kleptocracy," where patronage was doled out, wealth spirited abroad, and an environment where disgruntled actors took up arms to guarantee a greater share of the oil proceeds.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "existing state of affairs" when you want to emphasize the current conditions, often in contrast to a proposed or desired change.

Common error

While "existing state of affairs" is appropriate for formal contexts, avoid using it in casual conversation where simpler alternatives like "current situation" or "the way things are" would be more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existing state of affairs" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific set of circumstances or conditions that currently exist. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "existing state of affairs" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the current situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility across various domains. While versatile, it is more suited to formal contexts such as news reporting, scientific analysis, and academic writing. Simpler alternatives, such as "current situation" or "the way things are", may be more appropriate for informal conversations. When employing "existing state of affairs", be sure to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. As evidenced by its frequency in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, this phrase remains a valuable tool for precise and objective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current situation

This alternative replaces 'state of affairs' with the more common term 'situation'.

present circumstances

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary to describe the current conditions.

prevailing conditions

This alternative emphasizes the conditions that are currently dominant or widespread.

status quo

This alternative refers to the existing state without implying change or progress.

as things stand

This alternative is a more idiomatic way of referring to the present situation.

the way things are

This alternative is a simple and direct way to describe the current situation.

current reality

This alternative emphasizes the actual, existing situation, especially when it is different from what was expected or desired.

the present order

This alternative suggests the existing arrangement or system.

the established order

This alternative highlights the established and often institutionalized aspect of the current situation.

the lay of the land

This alternative is an informal way of describing the current circumstances or situation.

FAQs

What does "existing state of affairs" mean?

The phrase "existing state of affairs" refers to the current situation, circumstances, or conditions. It is often used when discussing the need for change or improvement.

How can I use "existing state of affairs" in a sentence?

You can use "existing state of affairs" to describe a situation you want to change. For example, "The "existing state of affairs" in the company is not sustainable, and we need to implement new strategies."

What are some alternatives to "existing state of affairs"?

Some alternatives include "current situation", "present circumstances", "status quo", or "the way things are".

Is "existing state of affairs" formal or informal?

"Existing state of affairs" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. Simpler alternatives are more appropriate for informal settings.