that existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that existed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that was present or in existence at a specific time in the past. Example: "The ancient civilization that existed thousands of years ago left behind remarkable artifacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He built around the talent that existed.

The New York Times - Sports

I didn't know that existed".

The Guardian

Knowledge that existed internally was not shared.

The Guardian

"I served the Poland that existed," he said.

Independent

"The image that existed was very low quality," he said.

The New York Times

"The trading that existed down the centuries has died.

The New York Times

So I wanted to do something that existed in both".

The New York Times

"We're not recreating something that existed a hundred years ago".

The New York Times

It was going off of something that existed.

The New Yorker

The conglomerate that existed then has since been taken apart.

The New York Times

In his words: "I served the Poland that existed".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that existed", ensure the context clearly indicates the time frame you're referencing. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a clearer understanding for the reader.

Common error

Don't use "that existed" without a specific or implied timeframe. For instance, instead of saying 'problems that existed', specify 'problems that existed before the reform' for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that existed" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by specifying its existence in the past. It helps to provide context and temporal information, as supported by Ludwig's examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that existed" is a grammatically correct and very common relative clause used to specify something's presence or state in a past time frame. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across diverse contexts like news, science, and business. When using "that existed", it's crucial to provide clear temporal context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "that prevailed" or "that occurred" can be used for nuanced variations. While versatile, always ensure the time reference is clear to maintain precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was present

Highlights the state of being in a particular place or time.

that had been

Highlights a past state or condition.

that occurred

Focuses on the happening or taking place of something.

that remained

Indicates something continuing to exist from a past time.

that prevailed

Emphasizes dominance or widespread acceptance at a certain time.

that was formerly

Emphasizes a previous condition or state that is no longer current.

that was in effect

Implies a rule, law, or system being operational.

that was available

Focuses on accessibility or attainability.

that functioned

Highlights how something worked or operated in the past.

that was around

Suggests a casual or informal presence.

FAQs

How can I use "that existed" in a sentence?

Use "that existed" to describe something present or occurring in the past, such as, "The infrastructure "that existed" before the war was destroyed."

What can I say instead of "that existed"?

You can use alternatives like "that prevailed", "that occurred", or "that was present" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "that existed"?

Yes, "that existed" is grammatically correct and commonly used to refer to something that was present or in effect at a particular time in the past.

What’s the difference between "that existed" and "that exists"?

"That existed" refers to something in the past, while "that exists" refers to something in the present. For example, 'the technology "that existed" in the 1990s' versus 'the technology that exists today'.