of what existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of what existed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing or referring to things that were present or available in the past. Example: "The historian focused on the artifacts of what existed in the ancient civilization to understand their culture better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He pitched his palace of the Ideal on the particularities and rationale of what existed.

The New Yorker

It was true of the prayer too, and of what existed so far of "Mercy".

The New York Times - Arts

What still remains of our wildflower heritage is precious fragments of what existed when Europeans arrived.

The Guardian - Opinion

Much of what existed by way of source material has disappeared.

The Guardian

He carefully names language groups and clans, giving a glimpse of what existed before white people dispossessed the original owners.

The Guardian - Books

I've come to realize that through an understanding of what existed in their surroundings, artists in the past had a much closer relationship to their medium, and much greater control of their materials.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Do logical truths entail the existence of any entities, or is their truth independent of what exists?

SEP

"The purgatory of what exists just continues".

The New York Times

Metaphysics is the question of what exists.

The New Yorker

Most of what exists, you don't see.

The New York Times

To see a slightly superior projection of what exists?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something that no longer exists, consider the implications of its absence. Explore why it disappeared and what impact it had.

Common error

Ensure you are clear about what specifically "existed". Avoid using the phrase without providing sufficient context, as it can lead to ambiguity and confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of what existed" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It modifies a noun or noun phrase, providing additional information about things, conditions, or entities that were present in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of what existed" serves as a useful tool for referring to things that were present in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific writing, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, clarity is key; make sure to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "what was present" or "what used to be" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding past realities

Focuses on past events and circumstances.

concerning former conditions

Highlights previous states or situations.

about previous circumstances

Emphasizes the circumstances surrounding a past situation.

related to bygone things

Indicates things that are no longer present or relevant.

in relation to earlier times

Highlights the time aspect and its relationship to the present.

respecting what used to be

Highlights a sense of reverence for what was in the past.

pertaining to prior states

Refers to conditions that existed before the present.

considering what previously occurred

Focuses on events that have happened in the past.

in connection with past instances

Highlights specific occurrences in the past.

with regard to historical facts

Emphasizes factual information from the past.

FAQs

How can I use "of what existed" in a sentence?

You can use "of what existed" to refer to things, conditions, or systems that were present in the past but may no longer be. For example: "The archeologists studied the remains "of what existed" in the ancient city."

What are some alternatives to "of what existed"?

Some alternatives include "what was present", "what was there", or "what used to be", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "of what existed" and "what exists"?

"Of what existed" refers to things that were present in the past, while "what exists" refers to things that are currently present. The former emphasizes a past state, while the latter emphasizes a current one.

When is it appropriate to use "of what existed" in historical writing?

It's appropriate when describing past conditions, cultures, or artifacts, especially when contrasting them with the present. It helps to highlight changes and developments over time.