that have existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that have existed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to things or entities that have been present or in existence up to the current time. Example: "The ancient civilizations that have existed for thousands of years continue to influence modern culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the existence of caste-based sects within Sikhism illustrates how tenacious divisions that have existed for millennia can be.

The New York Times

harveynichols.com 3 The number of Globe theatres that have existed on the South Bank since 1599.

Independent

The relations that have existed traditionally are being modified by the exploitation of natural resources.

The New York Times

The current construction work is largely to replace walls and barriers that have existed for years.

The Washington Post

"All the barriers that have existed with other solutions pretty much go away now," he said.

The New York Times

But many town residents dislike redrawing boundaries that have existed for generations.

The New York Times

The Farc is but one of many illegal armed groups that have existed in Colombia.

The Guardian

He's simply doubled down on the tactics that have existed for decades.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a very useful corrective to monolithic ideals that have existed in Ireland".

The Guardian

Spain's unemployment is so high partly because of particular local forces that have existed for decades.

The New York Times

Instead, it seems to be a very deliberate reinterpretation of living laboratories that have existed and that continue to exist.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that have existed", ensure the context clearly indicates the timeframe or duration being referenced. For instance, specify "that have existed for centuries" for added clarity.

Common error

Don't replace simpler alternatives like "that existed" with "that have existed" when the present perfect tense isn't necessary. Overusing the present perfect can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that have existed" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun. It provides additional information about the noun by specifying its existence over a period. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that have existed" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile relative clause used to describe entities or concepts that were present in the past. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, remember to choose the best way to say it and choose an alternative if there is one. The choice between "that existed" and "that have existed" depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey, with the latter emphasizing existence over a period leading up to the present. Avoid overusing "that have existed" when a simpler past tense construction suffices. This phrase is a useful way to express how something used to be.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that existed

Omits "have", creating a simpler past tense construction.

that were in existence

Replaces "existed" with a more descriptive phrase emphasizing a state of being.

that have been present

Focuses on the presence of something over time.

that used to exist

Highlights a past habitual state of existence.

which have been around

Uses a more informal and conversational tone.

that were formerly present

Formal alternative highlighting a previous state of being.

that once thrived

Suggests a period of success or flourishing in the past.

that prevailed in the past

Emphasizes dominance or widespread existence at a former time.

that are now gone

Emphasizes the absence of something that previously existed.

that are historical

Focuses on events or entities belonging to the past.

FAQs

How do I use "that have existed" in a sentence?

Use "that have existed" to describe things or entities that were present at some point in the past and might or might not exist now. Example: "The ancient civilizations "that have existed" have left behind valuable knowledge."

What can I say instead of "that have existed"?

You can use alternatives such as "that existed", "that were in existence", or "which have been around", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "that existed" or "that have existed"?

Both "that existed" and "that have existed" can be correct, but they imply slightly different things. "That existed" refers to a specific point in the past, while "that have existed" refers to a period of time up to the present.

What's the difference between "that have existed" and "that used to exist"?

"That have existed" implies something was present for a period and may or may not be anymore, while "that used to exist" specifically implies that something no longer exists.