it existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it existed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the past existence of something, often in discussions about history, philosophy, or hypothetical scenarios. Example: "In ancient times, it existed as a powerful civilization that influenced many cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I'd forgotten it existed".

The New York Times

In theory it existed.

Yale University

Nothing like it existed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It existed: that was enough.

The New Yorker

(Yes, it existed back then).

The New York Times - Arts

Time never knew it existed".

The New York Times - Books

It existed in the language".

The New Yorker

It existed without a market.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It exists.

Yale University

It exists because people say it exists.

The New York Times

Does it exist?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance to your writing, consider using synonyms like "it was present" or "it occurred" to better reflect the specific meaning you intend.

Common error

Avoid using "it existed" when you actually mean "it was relevant" or "it was important". Existence merely confirms presence, while relevance suggests significance. For example, instead of saying "The document existed, so it was used," say "The document was relevant, so it was used."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it existed" functions as a declarative statement, affirming the past presence or reality of something. Ludwig examples show this usage across various contexts, confirming its role in establishing historical or factual information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it existed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the past presence or reality of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is versatile, it's crucial to consider synonyms like ""it was present"" or ""it occurred"" for more specific nuances. Avoiding confusion with related concepts like relevance ensures clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was in existence

Rephrases the idea using a more formal tone and emphasizing the state of being.

it was present

Focuses on the presence of something at a certain point in time.

it had being

Emphasizes the philosophical aspect of existence.

it occurred

Highlights the event or happening rather than the continuous existence.

it took place

Similar to "it occurred", but usually refers to a specific event or series of events.

it was around

Informal way of saying something existed or was available.

it had happened

Indicates that something took place in the past, often with an implication of completion.

it was available

Highlights the accessibility or obtainability of something.

it could be found

Emphasizes the ability to locate or discover something.

it was to be found

Similar to "it could be found" but sounds more literary.

FAQs

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

"It existed" is used to affirm something was real or present at a previous time. For example, "The Roman Empire "it existed" for centuries".

What are some alternatives to "it existed"?

Alternatives include "it was present", "it occurred", or "it was in existence", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it exists" instead of "it existed"?

No, "it exists" indicates a present state, whereas ""it existed"" refers to the past. Use "it exists" when something is currently real or present.

What is the difference between "it existed" and "it was to be found"?

"It existed" simply states something was real. "It was to be found" suggests something was present and could be located or discovered.