only just existing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only just existing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of minimal existence or survival, often implying a lack of fulfillment or vitality. Example: "After the loss of her job, she felt as if she were only just existing, going through the motions without any real purpose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I only recently realized that as a teenage girl I was being affected by misogyny, disrespect, and degradation just by simply existing.

Huffington Post

Not only were 529s limited to just college costs, but existing K-12 expense accounts, called Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, are recognized for homeschools only in a handful of states where they can win designations as private schools.

The New York Times

HSBC offers £5,000-£25,000 an an interest rate starting at just 3.3%, but only to its existing customers.

The Guardian - Money

The fusion of UbΔGG to the cytosolic tail of PM marker RFP-TMD23 represents just such an additional sorting signal, while it is the only existing sorting signal in the context of the post-translationally inserted PM reporter Box-GFP.

BMC Plant Biology

Only existing customers can be part of the community, and so far just 10% are actually using the Web-based services.

Forbes

In the meantime we are honoring only existing booking commitments.

The New York Times

"And not only existing employees.

Huffington Post

There are no new taxes, only existing taxes.

Huffington Post

"Really, my only message is: "We exist". I defy your political opinions by just existing, by being here," Peet told VICE.

Vice

You're just existing".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'm just existing".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only just existing" to poignantly describe a situation where someone or something is in a state of minimal survival, lacking the resources or opportunities to thrive. It's a powerful way to convey a sense of desperation or stagnation.

Common error

Avoid using "only just existing" in situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly challenging. This phrase carries a strong connotation of hardship, and using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only just existing" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a state of minimal existence or survival. As Ludwig AI underlines, it emphasizes a lack of thriving or fulfillment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only just existing" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of minimal survival, often lacking purpose or fulfillment. As Ludwig AI points out, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its utility in portraying situations of hardship or stagnation. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to avoid overuse in overly dramatic situations. Alternatives such as "barely surviving" or "merely existing" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely surviving

Implies a struggle for survival, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining existence.

merely existing

Emphasizes the lack of purpose or quality in the existence.

simply surviving

Focuses on the basic act of survival without any additional elements.

scraping by

Suggests managing to live on very limited resources.

eking out an existence

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in maintaining a minimal life.

just getting by

Indicates a state of meeting basic needs with little room to spare.

hanging on

Implies a precarious state, close to failing or giving up.

existing in name only

Suggests that the existence is nominal or superficial.

vegetating

Implies a passive and uneventful existence, lacking activity or growth.

languishing

Suggests a state of weakness or decline, lacking vitality and spirit.

FAQs

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

You can use "only just existing" to describe a state of minimal survival or a lack of purpose in life. For example: "After the company's collapse, many employees felt they were "only just existing", struggling to make ends meet."

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

A more formal alternative could be "merely subsisting" or "barely maintaining existence". These phrases convey a similar meaning but are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it grammatically correct to say "only just existing"?

Yes, "only just existing" is grammatically correct. It's a phrase that functions as a descriptive modifier, often used to emphasize the minimal nature of someone's or something's existence.

What is the difference between "only just existing" and "living"?

"Only just existing" implies a lack of fulfillment or vitality, focusing on basic survival. "Living", on the other hand, suggests a more active and engaged state, with purpose and enjoyment. One is merely surviving, while the other thrives.