exists to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exists to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the purpose or function of something, indicating that it has a specific reason for being. Example: "The organization exists to be a voice for the underrepresented in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It exists to be different.

The Guardian

Desire exists to be thwarted.

The New Yorker

It just exists to be photographed.

The New York Times

For Tarantino, chronology exists to be messed around with, to be looped and spliced.

The New Yorker

His use of internal rhyme exists to be admired and envied.

The Guardian - Music

In the great majority of cases, a villain exists to be defeated.

The Guardian - Books

Everything is up for grabs, because everything exists to be seen.

The New Yorker

The city, like its grid, exists to be adopted and made one's own.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They exist to be viewed.

Independent

Distances exist to be bridged.

The New Yorker

Words exist to be used to communicate.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exists to be" when you want to emphasize the core, inherent purpose or function of something, making it clear why it was created or why it persists. For example, "This software exists to be a bridge between different data formats".

Common error

Avoid using "exists to be" in overly passive constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead, try rewriting the sentence to highlight the active agent and make the purpose more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exists to be" functions as a purpose connector, indicating the reason or intention behind something's existence. This is consistent with Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable. The examples provided by Ludwig show the phrase being used to define the purpose or role of various entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

14%

Arts

7%

Less common in

Books

5%

Lifestyle

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exists to be" is a purpose connector used to define the primary function or reason for something's existence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While the phrase is widely used, be mindful of passive constructions and ensure clarity in your writing. Consider alternative phrases like "is designed to be" or "functions as" to add nuance or formality. By understanding the nuances of "exists to be", you can effectively convey the core purpose of any subject in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is designed to be

Focuses on the intent behind the design of something.

is intended to be

Highlights the planned or expected outcome.

is meant to be

Emphasizes the inherent purpose or destiny.

functions as

Stresses the practical role or operation.

serves as

Indicates a specific role or contribution.

is used to

Highlights the utility or application.

is purposed to be

Emphasizes that it was conceived with an intentional purpose.

is created to be

Focuses on the action of creating something with a specific intention.

is built to be

Specifies that something was constructed for a particular reason.

is there to be

Indicates availability or presence for a specific reason.

FAQs

How can I use "exists to be" in a sentence?

The phrase "exists to be" is used to define the purpose or function of something. For example, "The channel exists to be different."

What phrases are similar to "exists to be"?

Similar phrases include "is designed to be", "is intended to be", or "is meant to be". These alternatives convey a similar sense of purpose or intended function.

Is there a more formal alternative to "exists to be"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "serves as" or "functions as" to maintain a professional tone.

When is it best to use "exists to be" over other similar phrases?

Use "exists to be" when you want to emphasize the inherent or fundamental purpose of something, implying that its very reason for being is tied to that function. For example, "The social security system exists to be a safety net".