if something exists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if something exists" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the possibility or existence of an object, idea, or concept. Example: "We need to consider the implications of our theory, if something exists that contradicts our findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Some proponents of the argument contend that we know a priori that if something exists there is a reason for its existence.

SEP

(If something exists, isn't it part of nature? "Supernatural" seems to me an evasion).

The New Yorker

If something exists for five years here, it's usually assumed to have been around for over two centuries.

Princeton University

The basic rationale for this bundling of tasks: If something exists in the closed world of the product and its environment anyway, why not just see whether it can be made to do double duty?

Harvard Business Review

But it is limited if something exists outside it.

SEP

Kant's argument is as follows: something is possible only if it is thinkable; something is thinkable only if data are present to the mind; data can be present to the mind only if the complete set of thinkable data already exists; therefore something is possible only if something exists.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Most relevantly for our purposes, if something existed for no reason at all, the fact that it exists would be inexplicable, a violation for the PSR.

SEP

A statement can be about something only if that something exists.

SEP

If God exists, then something exists.

SEP

In "The Relation of Time to Eternity", McTaggart criticizes Hermann Lotze's view that something exists only if it is in time.

SEP

Decisions can't be informed if a patient doesn't know something exists.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, pair "if something exists" with a specific consequence or condition. For instance, "If something exists, then there must be a reason for its existence." This provides a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

Avoid making broad assumptions about the nature of existence following "if something exists". Be specific about the attributes and context of the entity you're discussing to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if something exists" primarily functions as a conditional clause, introducing a hypothetical scenario where the existence of an object, concept, or entity is uncertain. This construction sets up a condition upon which a subsequent statement or conclusion depends. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is deemed correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if something exists" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that introduces a conditional scenario dependent on the existence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Primarily found in philosophical, scientific, and theoretical contexts, it serves to explore possibilities and examine assumptions. While not exceedingly common, its use across authoritative sources like the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and The New York Times underscores its validity in formal and academic discourse. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the 'something' in question is crucial to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if a thing exists

Replaces "something" with "a thing", slightly more formal.

if there is something in existence

Adds emphasis to the state of being in existence.

assuming something exists

Focuses on the act of assumption rather than direct condition.

provided something exists

Highlights a condition being met for something to be true.

in the event that something exists

More formal and highlights a possible future scenario.

should something exist

Presents a more hypothetical or unlikely scenario.

on the condition that something exists

Emphasizes the dependency on the existence of something.

if something is real

Focuses on the reality of something rather than its mere existence.

given the existence of something

A more formal way to state that something's existence is already known or accepted.

if something is present

Highlights the presence of something, rather than its mere existence.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if something exists" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "in the event that something exists" or "given the existence of something". These options add a layer of formality suitable for academic or professional writing.

What is a simpler way to say "if something exists"?

Simpler alternatives include "if there is something" or "assuming something exists". These phrases are more direct and suitable for everyday conversation or less formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "if something exists" in writing?

Use "if something exists" when you want to explore a hypothetical situation or condition that depends on the presence or reality of a specific entity. This is often seen in philosophical debates or scientific discussions.

What's the difference between "if something exists" and "if something is real"?

While similar, "if something exists" simply questions the presence of something, while "if something is real" questions its authenticity or truthfulness. The choice depends on whether you are doubting its presence or its genuine nature.