is to exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is to exist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing purpose, meaning, or the essence of something. Example: "The fundamental nature of life is to exist and thrive in harmony with the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Put another way, actualism denies that there is any kind of being beyond actual existence; to be is to exist, and to exist is to be actual.

SEP

(4) articulates a comparative value judgment about these ways of existing: it is greater for something to exist in both ways than it is to exist merely in the first way.

SEP

Maimonides here and elsewhere echoes Avicenna's idea of God as "necessary being"—literally, "The Necessary of Existence" (wājib al-wujūd)—whose essential nature it is to exist, and who, as such, does not rely on another for His existence.

SEP

Each is a questioning of what it is to exist.

The Guardian

To claim the cross as simply a Christian motif now is to exist in a vacuum.

The Guardian - Opinion

So, to live is to exist in a state of constant desire.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is another assumption that must be true if AI is to exist--but it's not true.

Huffington Post

If Zionism was to exist, Lydda could not exist.

The New Yorker

If Lydda was to exist, Zionism could not exist.

The New Yorker

It was to exist for just three years.

The New York Times

Stephen Fry has denounced God as "utterly evil, capricious and monstrous", if he were to exist.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the conditions necessary for something's existence, "is to exist" can add a formal and precise tone.

Common error

Avoid using "is to exist" in situations where a simpler verb like "exists" or "is" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is to exist" is as a verbal phrase indicating the essential nature, purpose, or a necessary condition for something's being. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, fitting into various contexts to discuss purpose and meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is to exist" functions as a verbal phrase to express the essential nature, purpose, or a necessary condition for something's being. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in Science and News & Media contexts, this phrase serves to define the fundamental reasons for something's presence, with a neutral to formal register. While common, it should be used judiciously to avoid unnecessary complexity, and simpler alternatives like "exists" or "is to be" might be more appropriate in some contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is to be

Focuses more on the state of being rather than the act of existing.

is required to exist

Highlights the necessity for something to exist.

is to have being

Rephrases the concept of existence using the term "being".

is to be in existence

Adds emphasis to the state of existing.

is meant to exist

Implies a purpose or intention behind existence.

is to come into being

Emphasizes the process of starting to exist.

is destined to exist

Suggests a predetermined or fated existence.

is to be present

Highlights the presence or availability of something.

is to remain

Focuses on the continuation of existence.

is to stay alive

Specifically relates to the existence of living beings.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is to exist" is often used to define the essence or purpose of something. For example, "The long-term goal of most endowments "is to exist" in perpetuity and grow with the rate of inflation."

What are some alternatives to using "is to exist"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is to be", "is meant to exist", or simply "exists".

When is it appropriate to use "is to exist"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the inherent nature, purpose, or conditions necessary for something to be in existence. It often appears in philosophical or formal writing.

Is there a difference between saying "is to exist" and "exists"?

While "exists" simply states that something is, "is to exist" often implies a deeper meaning or purpose behind that existence. It suggests a reason or condition for being. Using "is to be" can shift the focus to a state rather than an action.