that which exists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that which exists" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in philosophical or abstract discussions to refer to all entities or realities that are present or have being. Example: "In the realm of philosophy, we often ponder the nature of that which exists and our understanding of reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

For example, Spinoza, the most famous of all modern pantheists starts from the necessary existence of something he calls 'substance.' By this he means that which exists wholly in its own right, that whose existence does not depend upon anything else.

SEP

The interdependence to which we must pay the closest attention is that which exists between ourselves and the vegetal world.

The Guardian - Opinion

My migrant identity typifies that which exists all over London - from the British Turkish footie players in Finsbury Park to the pakora seller of Southall who has a standing order for his neighbour's Nan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Consequently, the voltage applied to the polar cap is that which exists in the solar wind between the field lines that are reconnected at the ends of the x line.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ernst Bloch, perhaps the most Hegelian of Marxists, maintained that this meant that Hegel and Marx were both talking about transcendence (in the sense of transcending that which exists) without the transcendent (in the sense of a transcendent realm – religious or social – towards which all things must move).

The Guardian - Opinion

By John Updike The New Yorker, November 14 , 1964P. 52 It comes upon me as strange, after the long darkness of self-absorption & fear & shame in which I have been living, that things are beautiful, that independent of our catastrophes, Nature, that which exists without guilt, continues, like grape leaves in the sun or a blue jay on a twig outside my cottage window.

The New Yorker

Less metaphorically, Tractarian substance is that which exists with respect to every possible world.

SEP

The First Cause, which is the Pure Good, pours all that is good into the intellect and into all that which exists through the mediation of the intellect.

SEP

However, because "objects constitute the substance of the world" (2.021), and because substance is that which exists independently of what is the case (2.024), this is tantamount to saying that objects exist.

SEP

In the Renaissance, by contrast, beauty was elevated to an ideal that, inter alia, moved the intellect, by means of desire, to either perfect that which exists below it or to be perfected by that above.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We must distinguish between the nature of God and the nature of things, between that which exists by itself (God) and that which exist by another (the universe), but since the nature of God just is Being itself, no parallel distinction may be drawn between the being of God and the being of things.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure it adds clarity and depth to your writing, rather than sounding overly verbose. If a simpler alternative like "what exists" works just as well, consider using it.

Common error

Avoid using "that which exists" in casual or informal writing. It can sound pretentious or overly formal. Opt for simpler phrasing like "what is" or "the current situation" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that which exists" functions as a relative clause, specifically a noun clause. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to entities or concepts that have being. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used in philosophical or abstract discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that which exists" is a formal phrase used to refer to reality or the current state of things. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for philosophical or abstract discussions. While grammatically sound and frequently used across various authoritative sources, it's essential to use this phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal contexts where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. The phrase appears frequently in scientific, news media and encyclopedia sources. By understanding its proper context and potential alternatives, you can effectively incorporate "that which exists" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything that is

Encompasses all of existence, emphasizing totality.

what is present

Focuses on the current existence or presence of something.

the existing reality

Emphasizes the real and current state of things.

the current state

Highlights the present condition or situation.

what is real

Focuses on the authenticity and actuality of something.

the world as it is

Implies acceptance or observation of the current condition of the world.

the order of things

Indicates the established or existing arrangement of elements.

the fabric of reality

Suggests the underlying structure of existence.

the state of affairs

Refers to the current circumstances or conditions.

the cosmos

More abstract and general, referring to the entire universe.

FAQs

How can I use "that which exists" in a sentence?

You can use "that which exists" to refer to the current state of affairs or to introduce a philosophical concept. For example, "The study examines the impact of technology on "what exists" in modern society".

What is a simpler way to say "that which exists"?

A simpler way to say "that which exists" is to use phrases like ""what exists"", "the current situation", or "the reality", depending on the context.

Is "that which exists" more formal than "what exists"?

Yes, "that which exists" is generally considered more formal than ""what exists"". The former is often used in academic or philosophical writing, while the latter is more common in everyday language.

What's the difference between "that which exists" and "that which is"?

The phrases "that which exists" and "that which is" are largely interchangeable. However, "that which exists" often emphasizes the temporal or current nature of something, while "that which is" can refer to a more fundamental or unchanging reality.