forced to exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forced to exist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something or someone is compelled to be present or to continue existing, often against their will. Example: "In a world where resources are scarce, many species are forced to exist in increasingly hostile environments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The Palestinians have been oppressed for decades and in Gaza are forced to exist on a tiny, narrow strip of land.

Independent

Allbrook says our national identity has been forced to exist in narrow confines fanatically garrisoned by rightwing media and flag-waving politicians.

The Guardian - Music

"We are forced to exist on foreign money," Lyudmila Alekseyeva, the head of the Moscow Helsinki Group, told the Interfax News Agency on Tuesday.

The New York Times

"However, thousands more people are stranded across Europe, trapped behind borders and forced to exist in appalling living conditions," she said.

The Guardian

"It is scarcely believable that there is slavery in Britain, yet the harsh reality is that in 2013 there are people in this country forced to exist in appalling conditions and often against their will," she wrote.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, some of the most compelling minds from India's past were forced to exist in splendid isolation, instead of being recognised for what they really were: figures engaged with other individuals and ideas across time, across borders.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But what's really wonderful, in the broader sense, is how the simple force to exist endures in Winnie.

The New York Times

What causes these forces to exist?

Forbes

For if whatever exists comes from him, he has given to things such a force to exist that after once they have existed, it is impossible for them not to have existed".

SEP

I want you to be forced to just exist in the moment that we're filming, and I'm casting you because I want you to be you.

The New Yorker

But "under this [health care] mandate, Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh would either be forced to cease to exist or restrict its employees and its wide ranging social services to practicing Catholics alone".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forced to exist" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is compelled to be in a certain state or place, often due to external pressures or circumstances. It adds a layer of involuntariness to the situation.

Common error

Be mindful of using "forced to exist" in contexts where a more neutral term like "exists" or "lives" would suffice. The phrase carries a connotation of hardship or coercion, so ensure it's appropriate for the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forced to exist" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause. It describes a state of being where the subject is compelled to continue living or existing, often against their will or under adverse conditions. As Ludwig AI shows, it frequently appears in contexts discussing social and political issues.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Books

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "forced to exist" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe situations where someone or something is compelled to continue living, frequently under duress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While it's not overly common, it carries a significant weight, often employed in news, media, and scientific contexts to highlight issues of hardship or injustice. When using this phrase, be mindful of its implications of compulsion and ensure it aligns with the tone and context of your writing. Alternatives like "compelled to live" or "obliged to remain" may offer a slightly different nuance depending on the specific situation you intend to describe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compelled to live

Changes 'exist' to 'live', implying a more active state of being under duress.

made to survive

Shifts the focus to the act of making someone survive, often against their will.

obliged to remain

Focuses on the obligation to stay in a certain condition or place.

under pressure to stay

Highlights the external forces influencing continued existence in a place or situation.

constrained to continue

Highlights the restriction and ongoing nature of existence.

required to endure

Emphasizes the aspect of suffering and perseverance.

doomed to persist

Implies a negative outcome or undesirable continuation.

destined to subsist

Indicates a predetermined fate of merely surviving.

left to linger

Conveys a sense of being abandoned and passively existing.

bound to prevail

Suggests an unavoidable triumph or continuation, regardless of circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "forced to exist" in a sentence?

You can use "forced to exist" to describe situations where individuals, groups, or even abstract concepts are compelled to continue their existence under difficult or oppressive conditions. For example: "The refugees were "forced to exist" in overcrowded camps with limited resources".

What are some alternatives to "forced to exist"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "compelled to live", "obliged to remain", or "required to endure". Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is it always negative to be "forced to exist"?

While "forced to exist" often carries a negative connotation due to the element of compulsion, it's not always inherently negative. It simply highlights that existence is not by choice but by necessity or external imposition. However, the specific circumstances usually imply hardship or unfavorable conditions.

What's the difference between "forced to exist" and "chooses to exist"?

"Forced to exist" implies a lack of agency or choice in the matter of existence, whereas "chooses to exist" indicates a conscious decision and active participation in life. The former suggests external pressures, while the latter suggests internal motivation.