exists

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "exists" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is real or exists in a specified place or context. For example, "The evidence exists to prove her innocence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The improvement, where it exists, may be a result of some initiatives by the speaker, John Bercow.

The Guardian

"Some prayed, but some who had prayed before they arrived would say: 'There cannot be a God if Auschwitz exists.'" For six weeks, Piechowski was set to work carrying corpses after executions.

The Guardian

The election programme is one of those moments when the corporation sets out to prove why it exists.

The Guardian

"I was upset that my family and friends were subjected to this type of behaviour and that it still exists within the AFL, as they have done a terrific job in educating society that racial vilification is unacceptable.

The Guardian - Sport

The Robin Danielson Feminine Hygiene Product Safety Act is named after a woman who died of toxic shock syndrome (yes, that still exists), and wants independent testing of all sanitary products (or anything that goes near or in the vagina, though that's not in the text) done by the National Institutes of Health.

The Guardian - Opinion

As long as debt exists, following the examples of Ecuador and Iceland, we demand a social audit of the debts owed by countries.

The Guardian - Opinion

In any country where de facto immunity presently exists and can be withdrawn, it should be lifted We must pursue legal and political redress for what has been done to us.

The Guardian - Tech

I don't know if that exists in all the other states that use their intelligence capability or military capability in that fashion… they certainly are incredible capabilities but they need to be used for the right purposes".

The Guardian - Tech

Yet while I can understand frustrated Conservative voters turning to Ukip, it's pretty strange, all that switching from the most pro-European party to one that exists to get Britain out of the union.

The Guardian

A long-standing gemellaggio (twinning) exists between fans of Torino and Fiorentina, one which had already led to uneasy speculation before the game that the Viola – happily ensconced in fourth place – might not try as hard as they should.

The Guardian - Sport

With 3.7 million Australians presently at risk, the time is now to be realistic that a broader context of alcoholism exists.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exists" to affirm the presence or reality of something, ensuring it aligns with the subject's context. For example, "Evidence exists to support this claim."

Common error

Avoid using "exists" when a simpler verb like "is" or "has" would suffice. For example, instead of "A problem exists", consider "There is a problem" or "The problem remains".

Linguistic Context

The verb "exists" functions primarily to assert the presence or reality of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is frequently used to establish that a concept, entity, or phenomenon is not merely theoretical but demonstrably real, as evidenced in sentences like "racial vilification still exists within the AFL".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

15%

Sport

5%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Books

3%

Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exists" is a versatile verb used to assert the presence or reality of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, opinion, and sports reporting. While generally neutral in register, it can lean towards formality depending on the source. To enhance your writing, avoid overusing "exists" in simple statements and consider alternatives like "is present" or "occurs" where appropriate. By understanding its nuances and proper usage, you can effectively communicate the reality of concepts, entities, and events in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in existence

Emphasizes the state of being and the fact that something has existence.

is present

Focuses on the physical or abstract presence of something.

is real

Highlights the authenticity and truth of something's existence.

remains

Highlights the continuation of something in a particular state or place.

occurs

Indicates that something happens or takes place.

takes place

Indicates that an event or activity happens.

prevails

Suggests that something is dominant or widespread.

endures

Implies that something lasts or continues to exist over time.

is available

Focuses on the accessibility or attainability of something.

is to be found

Suggests that something can be discovered or located.

FAQs

How to use "exists" in a sentence?

Use "exists" to state that something is real or present in a particular place or context. For instance, "A strong connection "is present" between diet and health".

What can I say instead of "exists"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""is present"", "is real", or "occurs".

Which is correct, "the problem exists" or "there is a problem"?

Both phrases are correct, but "there is a problem" is generally more concise and common. "The problem is real" is also a valid option.

What's the difference between "exists" and "occurs"?

"Exists" generally refers to the state of being, while "occurs" refers to an event or action taking place. For example, "Racism exists" (a state of being), and "An error "takes place"" (an event).