that there existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that there existed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the existence of something in the past or in a hypothetical context. Example: "The researchers concluded that there existed a significant correlation between the two variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the show's massive and essential catalogue, David Leeson, an American photographer who won a Pulitzer Prize for breaking-news photography for his work in Iraq, says, "At the height of my career covering conflicts, I truly believed . . . that there existed a series of photographs, or a single photograph, that could end war.

The New Yorker

But it did enhance my sense that there existed, as researchers in the field believe, a unifying "theory of everything".

The New Yorker

There the writer met Senor Vargaray, who swore that there existed in the jungles of the Rio Mapuya to the south, a monstrous prehistoric fossil jaw.

The New Yorker

However, popular protest compelled Nāṣer al-Dīn to cancel the concession, demonstrating several factors of crucial significance for the years to come: first, that there existed in Iran a mercantile class of sufficient influence to make use of such broad, popular sentiment and, second, that such public outpourings of discontent could limit the scope of the shah's power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We found out that there existed a statistically important difference in patient's age between clinical manifestations of hypoglycemia (Table).

Critical Care

Nevertheless, the fact that there existed this range of possible explanations all assuming the existence of atoms can be seen as constituting evidence for atoms by those favouring inferences to the best explanation.

SEP

This finding indicated that there existed important differences between the organisms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They didn't know that there existed a country with this name".

The New York Times

Encouraged in this pursuit by conversations with Albert Einstein, he developed an interpretation on the assumption that there existed unobserved hidden variables.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, it became evident that there existed a tradition of observation, calculation, and theoretical reflection that had been pursued systematically, refined, and modified for over a millennium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I asked Hilton to suppose that there existed a flawless tool for measuring public opinion, accurately and instantly, a tool available to voters and politicians alike.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that there existed", ensure the sentence maintains a formal tone, fitting for academic or professional writing. Consider whether a simpler alternative like "that there was" might be more appropriate for less formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "that there existed" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for a more relaxed phrasing, such as "that there was", to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that there existed" functions as a subordinate clause, often introducing a fact or condition that was true in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used to establish a past state or condition. Examples include scientific reports and news articles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that there existed" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to indicate the past existence of something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is particularly prevalent in formal, scientific, and journalistic contexts. While it serves to establish facts and provide background, its formal tone may not always be appropriate for informal communication. Consider alternatives such as "that there was" or "that there had been" for simpler, more accessible language. Remember that while accurate, "that there existed" contributes to a formal tone, making it best-suited for academic and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that there was

This is a simpler, more direct way of stating that something existed in the past.

that there were

This variation is used when referring to multiple items or entities existing in the past.

that there had been

This alternative emphasizes that something existed before a specific point in the past.

that something was in existence

This phrase explicitly states that something was in a state of being.

that something was present

This option replaces "existed" with "was present", focusing on the presence of something.

that something did exist

Emphasizes the actual existence of something, often used to counter a previous denial.

that it was the case that

This is a more formal and verbose way of expressing the same idea.

that something obtained

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying something existed or was in effect.

that there seemed to be

Suggests that the existence of something was apparent or perceived, but not necessarily confirmed.

that something prevailed

This suggests that something was common or widespread during a certain period.

FAQs

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

Use "that there existed" to indicate the presence of something in the past, often in a formal context. For instance, "The study confirmed that there existed a link between diet and health."

What are some alternatives to "that there existed"?

You can use alternatives such as "that there was", "that there had been", or "that something was present" depending on the context.

Is "that there existed" more formal than "that there was"?

Yes, "that there existed" generally carries a more formal tone compared to "that there was". The choice depends on the desired register of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "that there existed" in writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, or when emphasizing the historical presence of something. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives are often preferred.