the then existing

USAGE SUMMARY

"the then existing" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that was present or happening at a particular time in the past. Example: The then existing government faced widespread opposition due to its corrupt practices.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Training was therefore an issue as was the proper knowledge of what the then existing legislation would permit.

The Guardian

He enrolled at Dartmouth, class of 1963, where, as a freshman, he broke the then existing passing records for quarterbacks.

The New York Times

The abuses and the inadequacy of the then existing system are also described by state officials in affidavits included in the record.

Cornell University

The Court of Appeals inferred from the rejection of this amendment that Congress understood the then existing grant of authority to be limited to the imposition of quotas.

Cornell University

The Flexner report, which found serious deficiencies in the then existing medical schools, emphasized research in the biomedical sciences as the foundation of quality medical care of patients.

The New York Times

But when they assess the then existing constitution — the Articles of Confederation, which the new compact would replace — they drop the weaselly shilly-shallying and tell it like they really think it is.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

such requirements to meet the strategic situation as may be regarded as necessary by His Majesty's Government in the light of the circumstances then existing.

Yale University

According to him, the other sects then existing in Japan misunderstood the truth, and he vehemently denounced them and the government that supported them.

Britannica

Once the ideal system is designed, then existing systems can be worked into the design or discarded.

MCSE (Exam 70-297) Study Guide Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure Exam 70-297

Then existing subways needed repairs.

The New York Times

And then, existing relationships.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the then existing", ensure that the context clearly establishes the specific time frame you are referencing. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your reader understands which period you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "the then existing" without a clear prior reference to the time period you are discussing. Without context, the phrase becomes vague and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the then existing" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, specifying the state or condition of a noun at a particular point in the past. As Ludwig AI suggests, it emphasizes the existence of something at that particular moment in time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the then existing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe something that existed at a specific time in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It is most commonly found in academic, news, and scientific contexts, indicating a formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the time frame is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "the prevailing" or "the current at the time" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the existing at that juncture

Almost identical in meaning, but replaces "then" with "that juncture" for variation.

the current at the time

Clarifies that what is being described was the state of things at that particular moment.

the prevailing

Focuses on the dominance or widespread acceptance of something at that time.

the contemporary

Emphasizes that something belonged to or existed during that specific period.

the in place at that time

Emphasizes that something was established and operational during that era.

the applicable at that point

Highlights the relevance or suitability of something in that specific situation.

the established at that date

Emphasizes that something was founded during that era.

the operational at that moment

Highlights that something was functioning at that particular moment.

the systems in operation then

More specific, referring to functioning systems and is slightly more verbose.

the effective at that juncture

Highlights that something was producing a result at that particular moment.

FAQs

How can I use "the then existing" in a sentence?

Use "the then existing" to refer to something that existed at a specific time in the past. For example: "The company had to adapt to "the then existing regulations"".

What are some alternatives to "the then existing"?

You can use alternatives like "the prevailing", "the contemporary", or "the current at the time" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "the then existing"?

While "then" refers to a time in the past and "existing" implies being present at a time, the phrase is not necessarily redundant. It emphasizes that something was in effect or present at that specific point in the past, as opposed to something that might have come later.

What's the difference between "the then existing" and "the currently existing"?

"The then existing" refers to a past state, while "the currently existing" refers to the present. Use "the then existing" when discussing historical contexts and "the currently existing" when discussing the present.