exists like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exists like" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in informal contexts to suggest a similarity or comparison, but it is not commonly accepted. Example: "In the digital world, a virtual assistant exists like a personal secretary, managing tasks and schedules."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"Nothing exists like this anywhere in the world.

The Guardian - Arts

It just exists like an old gramophone record".

The Guardian

And right now the whole enterprise exists like a circus tent in a tornado.

The New York Times

(He thinks it's cheating to build a game on top of a system that already exists, like words or numbers).

The New York Times - Magazine

("I think this is the only grill in the world that exists like this," Mr. Nell said).

The New York Times - Travel

The angels grip the throne plausibly and have weight; the throne exists like a mix of cradle and altar.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Turf battles exist, like elsewhere.

Insights into Imaging

I love solutions to problems that don't really exist, like, say, wanting my shower head to control my MP3s.

TechCrunch

Do not have hybrid children in stories about Fandoms where hybrids would probably not exist, like Pokemon.

WikiHow

They believe objective moral truths exist, like mathematical truths, independently of our existence or ability to grasp them.

The New York Times

Nothing existed like the internet.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exists like", ensure the comparison is clear and adds value to the sentence. It's best used in contexts where you want to draw a parallel between the existence of something and another concept or entity.

Common error

Avoid using "exists like" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and standard comparative phrases such as "is similar to" or "resembles" to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exists like" primarily functions as a comparative expression, drawing parallels between the manner of existence of two different entities or concepts. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase can be seen as non-standard, and care should be taken to avoid ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exists like" is used to draw comparisons between the way something exists and another concept. While grammatically acceptable, it's considered non-standard in formal writing and more suited for informal contexts. Ludwig AI suggests that using more precise and standard alternatives, such as "is similar to" or "resembles", can improve clarity and professionalism in formal communication. Usage is most frequent in News & Media and Science, as showcased by Ludwig. It's important to ensure the comparison adds value and avoids ambiguity when using "exists like".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is similar to

Highlights resemblance or likeness.

resembles

Indicates a visual or superficial similarity.

is akin to

Emphasizes similarity in nature or quality.

is analogous to

Implies a parallel or correspondence.

is comparable to

Indicates something can be compared to something else.

behaves similarly to

Highlights the comparable actions or conduct.

functions as

Focuses on the role or operation.

operates in the manner of

Stresses the mode of action.

manifests itself as

Explains that something appears to be or proves to be another thing.

mirrors the existence of

Focuses on an imitative form of being.

FAQs

How can I use "exists like" in a sentence?

You can use "exists like" to draw a comparison between the way something exists and another concept or entity. For example, "The virtual world exists like a parallel reality, offering new experiences and interactions."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "exists like"?

Alternatives include "is similar to", "resembles", or "is analogous to". These phrases provide a more formal and precise way to express comparison.

Is "exists like" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "exists like" is considered non-standard and less formal. It's better suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, it's advisable to use more standard phrases.

Which is better, "exists like" or "is similar to"?

Is similar to is generally preferred in formal writing because it is more standard and widely accepted. "Exists like" can be used in more casual or creative contexts where a direct comparison is intended.