this could exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could exist" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility or potential of something being real or present in a certain context. Example: "In theory, this could exist in a parallel universe where the laws of physics are different."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I never imagined that a programme like this could exist..

The Guardian

None of this could exist in the real world, of course.

The New York Times

"No one could believe this could exist in Iran," Daneshvar told me.

The New Yorker

How this could exist in democratic Europe is an excellent question for political theorists.

The New York Times - Books

None of this could exist without the steadying hand of American power.

The New York Times

"It's really incredible that killers like this could exist today," said one contributor to the newspaper Peru21.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This cosmopolis could exist as a separate city state – a modern Venice.

Independent

"The first time we walked under the trestle, it was like magic to find that this place could exist," Ms. Siegel said.

The New York Times - Arts

In China, however, where words are images that partake of a cosmic order, it is highly unlikely that this split could exist.

The New York Times - Arts

This project could exist in extremely hot or cold climates, the designers contend.

BBC

But, in contrast to blue, this counterpart could exist, i.e., it is a possible nonexistent object.[17] Unfortunately, however, MOTo has a number of paradoxical consequences.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this could exist", ensure the context clearly defines what "this" refers to. Ambiguity can weaken the statement.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "This could exist", as it can make your writing monotonous. Vary your sentence structure for better flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could exist" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or potential. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, implying that something is not certain but has a chance of being real.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this could exist" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned expression used to convey the possibility or potential of something being real. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and practical. While its usage is not exceedingly common, the expression finds relevance across diverse domains, predominantly in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the referent of "this" is clear and that your sentence structure remains varied. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "this might exist" or "this may exist".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might exist

Replaces the modal verb 'could' with 'might', indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty.

this may exist

Substitutes 'could' with 'may', also expressing possibility but with a subtle difference in nuance.

this can exist

Uses 'can' instead of 'could', suggesting a general possibility or capability rather than a specific potential.

this is able to exist

Replaces the modal verb with a more verbose construction using 'able to', emphasizing capability.

this is possible

Simplifies the phrase to an adjective, indicating the possibility of something's existence.

this has the potential to exist

Emphasizes the inherent capacity for something to come into being.

this is conceivable

Replaces 'exist' with 'conceivable', focusing on the capacity to imagine or believe something.

this is viable

Shifts the focus to the feasibility or practicality of something's existence.

this is a possibility

Nominalizes the phrase, highlighting the existence of a potential.

this is within the realm of possibility

Expresses that something's existence is not impossible or outlandish.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this could exist" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "this may exist", "this has the potential to exist", or "the possibility of this existing cannot be ruled out".

What does "this could exist" imply about the certainty of something?

The phrase "this could exist" suggests a possibility, but not a certainty. It implies that there is a chance or potential for something to be real or present.

Is it grammatically correct to say "this can exist" instead of "this could exist"?

While "this can exist" is grammatically correct, it implies a general capability or inherent property, whereas "this could exist" suggests a specific possibility or potential circumstance. Consider the context to determine which is more appropriate.

What are some common contexts where the phrase "this could exist" is used?

The phrase "this could exist" is often used in scientific discussions about hypothetical entities or phenomena, in speculative fiction when describing imagined worlds, or in philosophical arguments about possibilities. In less frequent cases it is used in News & Media.