just about existing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just about existing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of merely surviving or living without thriving or fully engaging in life. Example: "After the loss of her job, she felt like she was just about existing rather than truly living."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I am just about existing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is also easy to import files from just about any existing format — music CD's, for example — and transfer them to the player.

The New York Times - Tech

But this isn't just about the existing foundations; it's also about creative thinking and the need for the government to realise the potential blueprint for the arts and creative industries of tomorrow.

The Guardian

What's really exciting is that this isn't just about optimizing existing apps and business processes — it's about designing new apps and experiences using new technologies".

TechCrunch

Business model innovation is not just about improving existing business models and becoming more competitive - which you must do.

Huffington Post

But what about existing leaders?

Huffington Post

He described Labour's existing policy as "just about right" but gave himself some wriggle room, endorsing Ed Miliband's view that it was "a starting point".

Independent

The Avengers films have been quite good about existing as standalone entertainments just as the various related franchises have mostly told their own stories.

Forbes

Well, they do that anyway simply by existing, but nicking Phil Mulryne from under their noses on a free transfer will just about put a seal on it.

The Guardian - Sport

For newcomers such as Shilpa, it's about just existing – sending a message to other tentative queens that they can do it, too.

The Guardian

What about existing residential structures?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's situation in fiction, "just about existing" adds a poignant touch, illustrating their struggle without explicitly stating their hardship.

Common error

Avoid using "just about existing" in formal or professional writing where a more precise and objective description of circumstances is needed. Opt for terms like 'struggling financially' or 'facing significant challenges' for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about existing" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically to describe the manner or condition of one's existence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a state of minimal survival.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just about existing" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe a state of minimal survival or a life lacking fulfillment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's effective in conveying a sense of struggle. While relatively rare, its usage is most common in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases include "barely surviving" and "merely existing", which offer similar shades of meaning. When writing, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in formal settings, opting for more objective descriptions when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Barely surviving

Focuses on the minimal aspect of survival, emphasizing difficulty.

Merely existing

Highlights the lack of active engagement in life, emphasizing a passive state.

Just surviving

Similar to barely surviving, but with a slightly stronger emphasis on simply making it through.

Existing precariously

Emphasizes the instability or uncertainty of the state of existence.

Scraping by

Focuses on managing to live on very limited resources.

Eking out an existence

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in maintaining life.

Biding time

Implies a temporary state of simply waiting for something to change.

Going through the motions

Focuses on performing actions without genuine engagement or feeling.

Barely making ends meet

Focuses on financial survival, with just enough money to cover basic needs.

On life support

More extreme, indicating reliance on external assistance to survive.

FAQs

How can I use "just about existing" in a sentence?

You can use "just about existing" to describe a situation where someone is barely surviving or merely getting by. For example: "After the job loss, she felt she was "just about existing", not truly living."

What's a more formal alternative to "just about existing"?

In formal contexts, instead of "just about existing", you might use phrases like "barely subsisting", "managing with difficulty", or "facing significant challenges".

How does "just about existing" differ from "thriving"?

"Just about existing" implies a state of minimal survival, while "thriving" suggests prosperity, growth, and active engagement with life. The former indicates a struggle, whereas the latter reflects success and fulfillment.

What are some common situations where people might feel they're "just about existing"?

Common scenarios include facing financial hardship, dealing with chronic illness, experiencing job insecurity, or living in unstable social or political environments. These situations can lead to a sense of merely surviving rather than fully participating in life.