it exists not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it exists not" is correct and can be used in written English, though it is somewhat archaic.
You can use it in literary or poetic contexts to express the idea that something does not exist. Example: "In this realm of shadows, hope exists not, leaving only despair in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Employees must understand and believe in what the company stands for -- its purpose, why it exists -- not just the size of the organization and financial targets.

HuffPost

A: When you see The Cabin in the Woods (if it exists), not knowing about the existence of The Avengers can only enhance your spoiler-free enjoyment.

Huffington Post

These accounts of the constituents of singular propositions concerning an object's changing properties presuppose theories of qualitative change incompatible with the intuition that a persisting object directly bears each of its changing qualities at each time it exists, not inheriting those qualities from the properties of numerically distinct objects.

SEP

But no, I don't think it exists, not at this high level".

The Guardian - Sport

Dictionaries record language as it exists, not as it should exist.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I don't think it exists, not at this high level," the world No 13 said.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The cable is, but it doesn't exist; it exists, but not for us.

Huffington Post

"I sat there on the couch, and my jaw dropped, and I went, 'Oh my God, it exists.' Not just dreaming it.

The New York Times - Arts

But knowing it exists, isn't it still hard?

The Guardian - Music

Most likely, if it exists, it is not extensive (1).

Biophysical Journal

It exists because it cannot not exist.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it exists not" in contexts where a slightly archaic or literary tone is desired. Be mindful that modern readers might find it unusual, so reserve it for specific stylistic choices.

Common error

Avoid using "it exists not" in everyday writing. It can sound unnatural and pretentious in contemporary contexts where simpler alternatives like "it does not exist" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it exists not" functions as a statement of non-existence. Ludwig shows its usage across various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness albeit with a slightly archaic tone. It's used to negate the being or presence of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it exists not" is a grammatically valid but somewhat archaic way to express non-existence. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's important to recognize its stylistic implications and consider modern alternatives like "it does not exist" for contemporary writing. As Ludwig AI also highlights, overuse in modern contexts can sound unnatural. The phrase finds its niche in formal, philosophical, or literary settings where its slightly old-fashioned tone can be leveraged for effect. Its frequency is uncommon, appearing mainly in news, scientific, and wiki sources. Therefore, understanding the nuances of register and context is crucial for effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it does not exist

More common and contemporary way to express the same idea.

it is nonexistent

Uses an adjective to directly state the lack of existence.

it is not in existence

A more verbose and slightly formal version.

it fails to exist

Emphasizes the failure or inability to exist.

it is absent

Suggests a lack of presence rather than outright non-existence.

it is nowhere to be found

Implies a search has been conducted, with no positive results.

it is not present

Similar to "it is absent", but slightly more direct.

it has no existence

Emphasizes the complete lack of being.

it never existed

Focuses on the past, indicating that it has never been in existence.

it is a figment of imagination

Highlights that something is not real, only imagined.

FAQs

How can I use "it exists not" in a sentence?

While "it exists not" is grammatically correct, it's an archaic construction. Consider using more common alternatives like "it does not exist" or "it is nonexistent" in modern writing.

What is a more common substitute for "it exists not"?

The most common substitute is "it does not exist", which carries the same meaning without sounding archaic.

Is "it exists not" grammatically incorrect?

No, "it exists not" is grammatically sound, following an older English sentence structure. However, it is rarely used today and might sound odd to contemporary speakers.

What's the difference between "it exists not" and "it does not exist"?

"It exists not" is an archaic form, while "it does not exist" is the standard, modern way of expressing the same idea. The difference is primarily stylistic, with the former sounding more formal and old-fashioned.