it still existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it still existed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something continues to be present or in existence despite changes or challenges. Example: "Even after the storm, the old tree stood tall, and it still existed as a testament to resilience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

If it still existed in its previous form, it would have brought in roughly the same amount of revenue this fiscal year — about six billion dollars — as the state will get from Brown's tax hikes, according to Gabriel Petek, a Standard & Poor's analyst who has covered California for years.

The New Yorker

Which he would be, if it still existed.

The New York Times

"You wish it still existed now, but it will never happen again".

The New York Times

I couldn't believe it still existed and that someone found it.

The New York Times

Instead, we watched something streamed over the Internet, while it still existed.

The New York Times

Moreover, although the achievement gap between minority and white students had been narrowing, it still existed.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

But that said, it still exists in its own world".

The Guardian - Tech

It still exists.

The Economist

It still exists today.

University of California, Berkeley

But it still exists.

The New York Times - Travel

I think it still exists.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it still existed", ensure that the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse readers, especially if the subject has not been recently mentioned.

Common error

Avoid using "it still existed" without a clear reference for what "it" is. Ensure the subject is clearly defined in the preceding sentence to prevent reader confusion. For example, instead of "The shop was old, but it still existed", clarify as "The shop was old, but the original storefront still existed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it still existed" primarily functions as a statement of fact, indicating that something was present at a specific point in the past. It's used to express the continuation of something over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

13%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it still existed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the continuity of something over time, often against expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it versatile for various communication styles. For enhanced clarity, ensure the subject of "it" is well-defined. Alternatives like "it remained" or "it continued to exist" can provide nuanced variations. While "it still exists" indicates a present state, "it still existed" reflects a past one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remained in existence

Focuses on the state of existence continuing.

it continued to exist

Emphasizes the continuous nature of existence.

it was still in effect

Implies the continued validity or operational status of something.

it was still present

Highlights the continuing presence of something.

it had not disappeared

Focuses on the absence of disappearance, implying continued existence.

it survived

Emphasizes the ability to continue existing despite challenges.

it persisted

Highlights the enduring quality of something.

it endured

Similar to persisted, but with a stronger connotation of lasting through hardship.

it lingered on

Suggests a prolonged and perhaps unexpected continuation of existence.

it carried on

Emphasizes a continuation of operations or activities.

FAQs

What does "it still existed" mean?

The phrase "it still existed" means that something continued to be present or in operation even after a period of time or a significant change.

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

You can use "it still existed" to emphasize the unexpected or surprising continuation of something. For example, "Despite the rumors, the small bookstore "it still existed" in the heart of the city".

What are some alternatives to "it still existed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it remained", "it persisted", or "it continued to exist", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it still exists" the same as "it still existed"?

No, "it still exists" indicates that something is currently present, while "it still existed" refers to something that was present at a point in the past. The choice depends on whether the subject is ongoing or a past observation.