they have existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they have existed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been present or in existence from a past time up to the present moment. Example: "The ancient ruins show that they have existed for thousands of years, standing as a testament to the civilization that once thrived there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"They have existed over time and space.

The New York Times

They have existed, more or less unchanged, since time immemorial.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They have existed as a group, however varied, for generations.

The New Yorker

They have existed at federal level since 1976, and several states offer them.

The Economist

In other sectors, they have existed for a generation or two.

The Guardian - Arts

They have existed since pre-independence days, when we did not have a proper legal structure in the country.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Unicorns, if only they had existed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But they've existed from the beginning.

The Guardian - Opinion

If they had existed when you were starting out, would you have tried out for them?

The Guardian - Music

This has been a comfort to people as long as they've existed.

The Guardian

To scratch their names, to leave some indication that they had existed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they have existed" to establish the longevity or historical presence of a subject, adding context and depth to your writing. For instance, 'These traditions are deeply ingrained because "they have existed" for generations.'

Common error

Avoid using "they has existed". "Has" is for singular subjects; with the plural pronoun "they", use "have". For example, the correct form is "they have existed", not "they has existed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have existed" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the past and present state of being for a plural subject. It asserts that something has been in existence from some point in the past until now. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they have existed" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that indicates the continuous existence of a plural subject from a point in the past to the present. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When writing, ensure correct subject-verb agreement (using "have" with "they") and consider the longevity and continuity you wish to convey. While alternatives like "they have been around" or "they have remained" exist, "they have existed" provides a direct and effective way to establish the enduring presence of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they've been around

Uses a more informal and colloquial term to indicate existence over a period of time.

they have been present

Focuses on their presence in a particular context or location throughout a period.

they have been in existence

More formal and emphasizes the state of existing over a period.

they have remained

Highlights the aspect of continuing to exist or stay in a particular state.

they have endured

Stresses survival through difficult conditions over time.

they have persisted

Emphasizes continued existence despite challenges or opposition.

they have prevailed

Implies success in continuing to exist, often against odds.

they have survived

Focuses on the act of living through something that threatened their existence.

they have historically been

Adds a historical perspective to their existence or state.

their existence spans

Emphasizes the duration and extent of their existence.

FAQs

How can I use "they have existed" in a sentence?

Use "they have existed" to indicate that something has been present or in a certain state from a time in the past up to the present. For example, you might say, "The foundations of this building are strong because "they have existed" for over a century."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "they have existed"?

You can use alternatives such as "they have been present", "they have been around", or "they have remained", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between using "they have existed" and "they existed"?

"They existed" refers to a state of being in the past, whereas "they have existed" implies that their existence continues to have relevance or impact up to the present. For example, "Although the Roman Empire collapsed, its laws "they have existed" and influenced legal systems to this day."

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "they have existed"?

This phrase is suitable in contexts where you want to emphasize the duration and continued relevance of something, such as historical analyses, cultural studies, or scientific discussions. It adds a sense of longevity and importance to the subject being discussed.