in existence

USAGE SUMMARY

"in existence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something currently existing or in use, or to describe something that has been around for a long time. For example, you might say, "The tradition of serving tea has been in existence for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's been in existence since 1973.

The New Yorker

Only about 800 are in existence today.

The New York Times - Science

Is it already in existence?

The Guardian

The home has been in existence since 1869.

The New Yorker

Twenty-eight others are already in existence.

The New York Times

NIFA remains in existence through 2007.

The New York Times

"It's been in existence for 90 years.

The New York Times

It has been in existence since1906.

The New Yorker

Come play the awesomest game in existence!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Is the Founding Tent still in existence?

The New York Times

There are nine copies in existence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in existence" to emphasize the duration or continuation of something, rather than simply stating its presence. For instance, "The company has been in existence for over a century" highlights its longevity.

Common error

Avoid using "in existence" interchangeably with phrases like "in effect" or "in place" when referring to rules or regulations. "In existence" refers to the state of being, while "in effect" and "in place" refer to operational status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in existence" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the state of being or the duration of something's being. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correct and usable. The examples provided by Ludwig show its role in specifying that something is present or has been around for a certain time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in existence" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that exists, particularly emphasizing its duration or continuous state. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a valid phrase for expressing the state of being. Found across news, academic, and encyclopedia sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. When using "in existence", ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, differentiating it from similar terms like "in effect". Remember, using the phrase precisely ensures clarity and enhances the overall quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently existing

Focuses on the present state of being, replacing the preposition 'in' with the adverb 'currently'.

now in being

Emphasizes the present moment of existence, using 'being' as a noun.

presently available

Highlights the availability aspect, shifting the focus slightly from pure existence.

still around

More informal, suggesting continued presence or survival.

remaining active

Implies ongoing operation or function, rather than mere existence.

in operation

Focuses on the functioning aspect of existence, particularly for systems or organizations.

in effect

Implies that something is valid or operative, often used for laws or rules.

yet to disappear

Emphasizes the lack of cessation, indicating a continued state of being.

that endures

Highlights the lasting quality of something that continues to exist.

on the map

Informal, suggesting relevance or visibility as a form of existence.

FAQs

How can I use "in existence" in a sentence?

Use "in existence" to describe something that currently exists or has existed for a specific period. For example, "The law has been "in effect" since 1990" or "Only a few copies of the original manuscript are still "remaining"".

What are some alternatives to "in existence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "existing", "present", "available", or "remaining". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "still in existence"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. Adding "still" emphasizes that something continues to exist despite potential changes or challenges. For example, "Despite the economic downturn, the organization is "still in operation"".

What is the difference between "in existence" and "into existence"?

"In existence" describes the state of already existing, while "into existence" describes the process of coming to be. For example, "The universe is "in existence"" versus "The universe came "into existence" billions of years ago".