non existence

USAGE SUMMARY

"non existence" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English
You can use it to refer to something that does not exist, or that is not real. For example, "The non existence of unicorns is due to a lack of evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hence, proving non-existence without giving away existing names.

Security Informatics

What about the concept of a non-existing substance could explain that substance's non-existence?

SEP

But if an existing substance is completely causally isolated, what could bring about its non-existence?

SEP

He is taking God's non-existence personally.

The Guardian - Books

They are out for our non-existence.

The New York Times

It's a matter of existence or non-existence".

The Guardian - Film

"From non-existence of force to existence of force.

The New York Times - Magazine

To anyone under the age of 50, brutalism belongs to the age of their non-existence.

The Guardian - Arts

What are your views on overseas investment funds and the almost non-existence of fellatio?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Organised sport had imploded into non-existence, but not the people's passion for football.

The Guardian

For Heidegger, the question of God's existence or non-existence has no philosophical relevance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "non existence" when you want to emphasize the state of something not existing, particularly in philosophical, scientific, or abstract contexts. For instance, when discussing theoretical possibilities or disproven concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "non existence" when a simpler negation like "does not exist" or "is not real" would suffice. "Non existence" is more appropriate for formal or abstract discussions, not everyday language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "non existence" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state or condition of not existing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable, often appearing in contexts that require a formal or abstract discussion of absence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "non existence" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the state of not existing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate for formal contexts such as science, academia, and philosophical discussions, where precise language is important. While simpler negations might suffice in everyday language, "non existence" is preferred when emphasizing the abstract state of absence. It's frequently found in authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and academic publications. Remember to use it judiciously, favoring simpler alternatives in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nothingness

Refers to the complete absence of anything.

non being

Directly contrasts with the concept of being or existence.

lack of being

Emphasizes the absence of existence itself.

negation of existence

Formally expresses the denial of existence.

unreality

Stresses the lack of realness or factual basis.

cessation of being

Emphasizes the end or termination of existence.

absence

Focuses on the state of being away or lacking.

state of nullity

Highlights the condition of being void or without legal force.

void

Describes an empty space or state.

in existence

Highlights the fact that something does not exist now.

FAQs

How can I use "non existence" in a sentence?

You can use "non existence" to refer to the state of something not existing. For example, "The proof of the "non existence" of a deity is a common topic in philosophy".

What's the difference between "non existence" and "absence"?

"Non existence" refers specifically to the state of not existing at all, while "absence" refers to the state of being away or lacking. Something that is absent might exist elsewhere, but something in a state of "non existence" does not exist at all.

What can I say instead of "non existence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "lack of being", "nothingness", or "unreality".

Is "non existence" a commonly used phrase?

Yes, while it is more formal than simpler alternatives, ""non existence"" is frequently used in academic, scientific, and philosophical discussions to precisely describe the state of something not existing.