it even existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it even existed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the surprising or unexpected nature of something's existence in a particular context. Example: "I was shocked to learn about the ancient civilization; I never thought it even existed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Australia has competed in every modern Summer Olympics, winning its first two medals in 1896, five years before it even existed as a country; it first participated in the Winter Games in 1936.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yesterday, on Sky News, he denied that it even existed.

Independent

"And so it affirmed the moment without evidence that it even existed.

The New Yorker

That such a solution, if it even existed, could be arrived at algorithmically is also implausible.

The Guardian - Tech

At first, the government had tried to make the problem go away by denying that it even existed.

The New Yorker

Nora was a foodie not only before the word became so tiresome and tedious but before it even existed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Does it even exist?

The New York Times - Books

One wonders does it even exist??

Independent

"It, like, defies the era that it even exists in. . . .

The New Yorker

It even exists in the presence of lubrication15,16,17.

Nature

This is not necessarily weather you need to keep track of, if it even exists.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it even existed" to express surprise or disbelief that something was real or occurred, particularly when discussing historical events, rumors, or abstract concepts. This suggests that there was doubt or uncertainty surrounding the thing in question.

Common error

Avoid using "it even existed" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or objective tone is required. Instead, opt for phrases like "it was found to exist" or "evidence suggests its existence" to maintain professionalism and impartiality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it even existed" functions as a clause expressing surprise or disbelief regarding the existence of something. As shown by Ludwig AI, it often follows a statement where the existence of a concept, place, or thing is questioned or unknown.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it even existed" is used to express surprise or disbelief about the reality or occurrence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media. While it can be useful in many contexts, be mindful of its slightly informal tone and consider alternatives like "it actually occurred" in more formal settings. The phrase is a useful tool for highlighting the unexpected nature of something's existence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it did, in fact, exist

Adds emphasis to the affirmation of existence.

it actually occurred

Emphasizes the reality of the event's occurrence.

it really was a thing

Highlights the genuine existence of something, often surprising.

it surprisingly existed

Highlights the unexpected nature of its existence.

it veritably existed

Adds a formal tone to the assertion of existence.

it genuinely happened

Focuses on the authenticity of the event.

it was actually present

Emphasizes physical presence or availability.

the thing in question, existed

Highlights what existed.

it had been in reality

Highlights the factual existence, potentially contrasting with perceptions.

its existence was a fact

States the existence as an established truth.

FAQs

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

Use "it even existed" to express surprise or disbelief that something was real or occurred. For instance, "I was surprised to learn that such a law "it even existed"".

What can I say instead of "it even existed"?

You can use alternatives like "it actually occurred", "it really was a thing", or "it did, in fact, exist" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "it even existed" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it even existed" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral phrases like "it was found to exist" or "evidence suggests its existence".

What's the difference between "it even existed" and "it still existed"?

"It even existed" suggests surprise that something existed at all, while "it still existed" implies that something continued to exist despite expectations or challenges.