existing then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existing then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that was present or in existence at a specific time in the past. Example: "The documents from the meeting reflected the policies existing then, which have since been updated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He endorses at most the weaker claim that 'if I can clearly and distinctly conceive of A's existing without B existing, then B can exist without A existing'.

SEP

Thus, if a set cannot exist without its members existing, then it appears that a theory that contains '∃x x = {a, b}' is ontologically committed to the existence of a.

SEP

However Descartes, by endorsing that argument, does not endorse the claim that 'if I can conceive of A's existing without B's existing, then A can exist without B existing'.

SEP

Similarly, if a whole cannot exist without one of its parts existing, then there appears to be implicit commitment.

SEP

According to the weak principle, if there is a small finite probability of unicorns existing then given enough time and space unicorns will exist.

SEP

If a being is capable of not existing, then there is a time at which it does not exist.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

If the store allows you to try on underpants over your existing underpants, then do so.

WikiHow

The words "in addition to those functions, activities, and authorities then existing or as then being administered and operated" are omitted as surplus.

Cornell University

An actually existing thing, then, such as an existing body, is its essence brought to existence.

SEP

It amounted to pulling together the existing material then in circulation in a readable way.

The Guardian - Opinion

The authors recommend determining their existing relationship, then strengthening interconnection if conditions warrant.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "existing then", ensure the context clearly establishes the time frame being referenced to avoid ambiguity. This ensures your reader understands the state of affairs at that specific historical point.

Common error

Avoid using "existing then" interchangeably with phrases like "existing now" or "currently", as "existing then" specifically refers to something that was present in the past. Using it to describe a present condition will be confusing to the reader.

Linguistic Context

"Existing then" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the time frame in which something existed. As Ludwig AI suggests, it correctly situates a condition or entity in a past context. Examples from Ludwig show its use in academic papers, news articles and other formal documents, emphasizing its role in clarifying temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "existing then" functions as an adverbial modifier that pinpoints a situation or entity to a specific time in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across a spectrum of sources, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic contexts. While it maintains a neutral to formal register, its primary communicative goal is to provide essential historical context, aiding in clear and unambiguous communication. To avoid common errors, remember that "existing then" should be reserved for past scenarios only, distinguishing it from phrases describing current conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that existed at the time

Focuses on the state of existence at a specific point in the past.

then in existence

Reorders the words while maintaining the core meaning of something existing at that time.

at that point in time

Emphasizes a specific time when something was present.

prevailing at the time

Highlights the condition or situation that was dominant at that time.

in place at that time

Suggests that something was established or operational during that period.

current at the time

Implies something was the most up-to-date at that specific time.

as it was then

Describes a condition or state as it existed in the past.

at the time in question

Refers to a particular moment under consideration.

what was available then

Indicates the resources or options that were accessible at that time.

then in effect

Highlights that a law, rule or agreement was active and operational at the time.

FAQs

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

Use "existing then" to refer to something that was in existence at a specific time in the past. For example: "The documents reflected the policies "that existed at the time", which have since been updated."

What are some alternatives to using "existing then"?

You can use alternatives such as "then in existence", "at that point in time", or "prevailing at the time" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "existing then" in formal writing?

Yes, "existing then" is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal writing. It's used to specify conditions or situations that were present at a particular time in the past.

What is the difference between "existing then" and "currently"?

"Existing then" refers to something that was in existence at a specific time in the past, while "currently" refers to something that exists in the present. Ensure you choose the appropriate term based on the time frame you are referencing.