if it does exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it does exist" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility or uncertainty of something's existence. Example: "We should investigate the phenomenon further, if it does exist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The most likely theory is that, if it does exist, Planet Nine began its orbital life much closer to the sun and then crossed paths with a planet like Jupiter, which sent it spiralling into the outer reaches.

The Guardian

This method has found growing application in different industries owing to its remarkable performance including its capability in appropriate demonstration of a non-linear relationship, if it does exist, between variables in regression problems as well as providing improved fit to the experimental data in comparison to the conventional linear models (Eissa and Shokir 2007).

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

My I use a command like sum or Sd or Var if it does exist ?

Yale University

If it does exist, some of you seem to be abusing it.

The New York Times - Arts

If it does exist in some form, critics haven't done enough to uncover and identify it.

The Guardian - Books

And, if it does exist, would it ever be visible to the mainstream entertainment industry or to orthodox media?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Spielberg said he would be against a PreCrime system if it were ever possible, as he believes that if it did exist, those in control of it would undoubtedly abuse its powers.

Wikipedia

What would a white hole look like if it did exist?

Cornell University

(The urgency of that crisis, if it did exist, certainly seems to have faded).

The New Yorker

And it certainly won't be present in just one tiny group of people, even if it did exist.

The Guardian - Sport

So even if it did exist, we would be left with another good news/bad news situation.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve your text, replace "if it does exist" with synonyms and check for more grammatically appropriate results.

Common error

Avoid using "if it does exist" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound hesitant or repetitive. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it does exist" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a situation that depends on the existence of something. It sets up a hypothetical scenario, as exemplified by the sentences provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if it does exist" is a grammatically sound conditional phrase used to express uncertainty about the reality or confirmation of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, notably in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While "if it exists" is a simpler alternative, "if it does exist" adds a subtle emphasis on the potential non-existence of the subject. When using "if it does exist", be aware of potential overuse and vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement. Ultimately, it is a useful tool for introducing a degree of skepticism while still acknowledging a possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it truly exists

Adds emphasis to the uncertainty of its existence.

assuming it exists

Indicates a presumption of existence for the sake of argument.

in the event that it exists

Formal phrasing for a possible existence.

should it exist

More formal and hypothetical phrasing.

if it is indeed real

Emphasizes the potential reality of something.

if it is verifiable

Shifts focus to the verifiability of its existence.

on the condition that it exists

Highlights a strict condition based on its existence.

given its existence

Acknowledges the hypothetical existence as a starting point.

assuming its actuality

Focuses on the factual existence of something.

were it to exist

Highly formal and hypothetical phrasing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if it does exist" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "should it exist", "in the event that it exists", or "were it to exist".

What's a simpler way to say "if it does exist"?

A simpler alternative is "if it exists". This conveys the same meaning with less emphasis on the uncertainty.

Is it always necessary to use "if it does exist" instead of "if it exists"?

No, "if it exists" is often sufficient. Use "if it does exist" when you want to subtly emphasize the possibility that something might not be real or confirmed.

How does "if it does exist" differ from "assuming it exists"?

"If it does exist" introduces a condition with a hint of skepticism. "Assuming it exists" implies taking its existence as a given for the sake of argument, without necessarily expressing doubt.