something already in existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something already in existence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an object, idea, or concept that is currently present or has been created prior to the current moment. Example: "The museum showcases something already in existence, highlighting the rich history of ancient civilizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Court similarly stated, over a century ago, that the issuance of a trademark could not be justified under the Copyright Clause because the subject matter of trademark is "the adoption of something already in existence". Trade- mark Cases, 100 U.S. 82, 94 (1879).

Harvard University

It's no longer enough to improve something already in existence – you need to leap ahead of the pack.

Forbes

Someone sees an opportunity to improve something already in existence, or creates a solution for every day problems not yet discovered.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

All these examples represent variations of something already in production.

Forbes

So common is the process, it has its own term and Twitter hashtag: #Columbising – when, like Christopher Columbus, white people think they have discovered something that was already in existence.

The Guardian - Opinion

My reasoning is that the animal was killed for its pelt long before I was alive and rather than support cheap manufacturing and possibly unethical working conditions, I prefer to buy something that is already in existence and that will last.

Huffington Post

For the plan to go into effect by October, the administration must by law get rid of one of the 27 centers and institutes already in existence at the N.I.H. — something that has never been done before.

The New York Times - Health

This is especially useful where there isn't one already in existence and might be something that you can do from your workplace, school or community center.

WikiHow

Is it already in existence?

The Guardian

Twenty-eight others are already in existence.

The New York Times

Fortunately, institutions are already in existence to look after us.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something already in existence" to acknowledge a foundation or prior work before introducing a new idea or innovation.

Common error

Avoid using "something already in existence" excessively in formal or scientific writing; more precise terminology might be preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something already in existence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It identifies and refers to entities, systems, or conditions that are present or have been established prior to the current context. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "something already in existence" is a grammatically sound way to refer to pre-existing entities, systems, or conditions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is relatively rare, but it appears in a mix of contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. When using this phrase, consider whether more specific terminology might be appropriate for formal or scientific contexts. Alternatives like "existing thing" or "pre-existing entity" may offer greater precision depending on the intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that which already exists

More formal phrasing with a focus on existence.

something that is present

Rephrases the idea with a focus on presence.

existing thing

Focuses on the 'thing' aspect rather than the 'already in existence' aspect.

an actuality

Replaces "something" with a noun emphasizing reality.

pre-existing entity

More formal and emphasizes the 'entity' aspect and the time aspect that is already there.

established system

Specifically refers to systems that are already set up.

a going concern

Specifies something active and operational.

current reality

Shifts focus to the present state of affairs.

prevalent condition

Highlights the widespread nature of something that exists.

the status quo

Emphasizes the current state of affairs, especially in social contexts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "something already in existence" to sound more formal?

You can use alternatives like "pre-existing entity" or "that which already exists" for a more elevated tone.

What is a simpler way to say "something already in existence"?

A simpler alternative is "existing thing" which maintains the core meaning with fewer words.

Is it redundant to say "already existing" instead of "something already in existence"?

While "already existing" can work, "something already in existence" emphasizes that there is a specific entity or item that pre-exists. You could use alternatives like "an actuality" depending on context.

How does "the status quo" differ from "something already in existence"?

"The status quo" refers specifically to the current state of affairs, particularly in social or political contexts, whereas "something already in existence" is broader and can refer to any pre-existing entity or condition.