our very existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our very existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance or significance of life or being in a particular context. Example: "The challenges we face today threaten not just our way of life, but our very existence as a species."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After all, she said, "our very existence defies those stereotypes".

The New York Times

This is our very existence.

The New York Times

Our very existence is in danger.

The Guardian - Arts

Our very existence is a protest.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that does not threaten "our very existence".

The Guardian - Opinion

"It just points out the reality of our very existence".

The New York Times

Our very existence was being threatened," Luthuli said.

The New Yorker

We have selected it by our very existence.

The New York Times

"Our very existence is in danger," she sighed.

The New York Times

Our very existence on this planet is in danger.

The New York Times

That history seems special to us, of course, because we owe our very existence to it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "our very existence" to underscore the profound importance of something being at stake, such as fundamental rights, environmental issues, or cultural identity. It adds weight to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "our very existence" when discussing minor inconveniences or preferences. Save it for situations where there's a genuine, significant threat to something fundamental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our very existence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI highlights its use in contexts where fundamental aspects of life are at stake.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "our very existence" is a powerful expression used to emphasize the criticality of a situation, implying that something fundamental is at risk. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and highlights its prevalence in News & Media. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it should be reserved for contexts where genuine threats or essential aspects of life are being discussed. Alternatives like "our survival" or "our being" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our continued existence

Highlights the aspect of continuation, implying a duration of existence.

our survival

Focuses more specifically on the act of continuing to live or exist, implying a potential threat.

the basis of our existence

Highlights fundamental elements that make our existence possible.

our being

Emphasizes the state or quality of existing, often used in a philosophical context.

our essential being

Highlights the fundamental and intrinsic nature of our existence.

our raison d'être

Focuses on the reason or justification for existence.

our essential nature

Emphasizes the inherent qualities and characteristics that define existence.

our livelihood

Refers specifically to the means of supporting oneself and staying alive, narrower in scope.

our continued presence

Focuses on maintaining a presence or visibility in a specific place or situation.

our way of life

Refers to the customs, habits, and activities that characterize a group's existence, broader in scope.

FAQs

How can I use "our very existence" in a sentence?

Use "our very existence" to emphasize a critical threat or fundamental importance. For example, "Climate change threatens "our very existence" on this planet".

What can I say instead of "our very existence"?

You can use alternatives like "our survival", "our being", or "our continued existence" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "our existence" or "our very existence"?

Both are grammatically correct, but ""our very existence"" adds emphasis to the significance or precariousness of the situation.

What's the difference between "our way of life" and "our very existence"?

"Our way of life" refers to customs and habits, while ""our very existence"" refers to the fundamental state of being alive or continuing to exist.