if it existed

USAGE SUMMARY

"if it existed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a conditional phrase, which is used to express a hypothetical or unreal situation, typically in a conditional sentence. For example: "The world would be a much better place if it existed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I would read that book in its entirety, if it existed.

The New Yorker

The direction of its influence, if it existed, would have been toward the null.

British Journal of Cancer

It would be unjust only if it existed on its own, with no complimentary level of pleasure.

Huffington Post

("The Collected Doonesbury," if it existed, would be the size of a wild boar).

The New York Times - Books

If it existed, then the cement for a European federation might also exist.

The Economist

There is neither a convincing alternative policy, nor anyone to articulate it if it existed.

The Economist

In that odd world of economics, unemployment (if it existed) was the fault of workers.

The New York Times

A better word, if it existed in English, would be "introvergence".

The Economist

They don't know who might have been behind it or even if it existed at all.

The Economist

He later committed suicide and his site – if it existed at all – was never identified".

The Guardian

He referred several times to "the Allonzo Trier phenomenon," as if it existed apart from him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if it existed", ensure that the main clause of your sentence uses a conditional tense (e.g., "would", "could", "might"). This maintains grammatical consistency and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "if it existed" when referring to something that you know to be real. This phrase is specifically for hypothetical or uncertain situations; using it otherwise can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it existed" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a hypothetical or uncertain scenario. It sets up a condition that, if met, would lead to a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI explains, it is commonly used to express a hypothetical or unreal situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if it existed" is a versatile conditional phrase used to discuss hypothetical scenarios, the phrase appears frequently in both news/media and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a broad spectrum of writing styles, suggesting it’s appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure grammatical consistency with conditional tenses in the main clause and avoid using it when discussing known realities. Alternatives such as "assuming it existed" or "supposing it existed" may offer subtle differences in nuance. As a final point, the high frequency of this expression among authoritative sources highlights its integration into standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming it existed

Emphasizes the assumption of existence as a basis for further consideration.

in the event it existed

Highlights a specific condition or circumstance contingent upon its existence.

if it were to exist

Adds a layer of formality and hypothetical consideration.

supposing it existed

Similar to assuming, but may imply more doubt.

on the condition it existed

Explicitly states existence as a necessary condition.

had it existed

Implies a past hypothetical situation.

should it have existed

Emphasizes a past unrealized possibility.

in a world where it existed

Frames the statement within a hypothetical reality.

hypothetically speaking, if it existed

Introduces the statement as purely hypothetical.

were it to be the case that it existed

A more formal and elaborate way of expressing the hypothetical.

FAQs

How can I use "if it existed" in a sentence?

Use "if it existed" to discuss a hypothetical or uncertain scenario, such as, "The project would have been successful, "if it existed"".

What are some alternatives to "if it existed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "assuming it existed", "supposing it existed", or "in the event it existed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "if it would exist" instead of "if it existed"?

While "if it would exist" is grammatically possible, "if it existed" is generally preferred for hypothetical past or present scenarios. "If it would exist" may be more appropriate for future hypothetical situations.

When should I use "if it existed" versus "if it exists"?

"If it existed" refers to a hypothetical situation in the past or present. "If it exists" refers to a potential situation in the present or future that is uncertain. For example, "I would buy that car "if it existed"" (past/present hypothetical) versus "I will buy that car "if it exists"" (future uncertainty).