to actually exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to actually exist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the reality or presence of something, often in contrast to a hypothetical or imagined situation. Example: "Many people question whether the mythical creature is real or just a figment of imagination, but there are those who believe it to actually exist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

In fact, technological advances are making it even harder for social groups relying on cheap labour to actually exist.

The Guardian

If DJ Guerin, Mama Vic, Billie Jean Hill happened not to actually exist, would the poems still stand?

The New Yorker

If Whitehead and Rendell had a fraction of Nasa's budget, we might work out our complex relationship with the only "extraterrestrial" life that we know to actually exist.

The Guardian - Books

The starting point is that in law there must be "mutual obligation" for a contract to actually exist, irrespective of the type of status.

The Guardian - Money

Such matches between the object as it is perceived and the object as it is understood to actually exist (regardless of transformations in the energy of stimulation) are called perceptual constancies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In an interview with the newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, Schulz said: "The European parliament won't wave through a proposal that makes deep cuts into the principle of free movement of workers in order to solve a problem that has been described in dramatic terms but hasn't been proven to actually exist".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It does not prove that the God who people are praying to actually exists.

Huffington Post

I googled the plotlines to see if any of these books, or something close to them, actually exist for discussion.

Huffington Post

Once in New England, Belichick sought to soften that image, to show his sense of humor, his human side, both of which, those close to him insist, actually exist.

The New York Times - Sports

The terms of reference were to assess the present situation of the institutions, to assess what support or resistance to change actually exists in the country, and to make suggestions for best practice.

Unicef

Procedural limitations to universal jurisdiction actually exist.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to actually exist" to emphasize the reality of something, especially when contrasting it with a hypothetical or fictional concept. For instance, when discussing mythical creatures or theoretical scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "to actually exist" in sentences where existence is already implied. Using it in simple, declarative statements can make your writing sound redundant or unnatural. For example, instead of saying "The building to actually exist stood tall", simply say "The building stood tall".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to actually exist" functions as an infinitive phrase. It emphasizes the factual or verifiable presence of something, often contrasting it with hypothetical or imaginary existence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to actually exist" serves to emphasize the reality of something, differentiating it from theoretical or imagined concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While it's common in news, science, and encyclopedia sources, avoid overuse in simple statements where existence is already implied. Remember, alternatives such as "to genuinely exist" or "to truly exist" can provide subtle variations in emphasis. Use this phrase when you want to underscore that something is not merely an idea but has a tangible, verifiable presence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to genuinely exist

Replaces 'actually' with 'genuinely', reinforcing authenticity.

to truly exist

Replaces 'actually' with 'truly', emphasizing the real nature of existence.

to really exist

Uses 'really' instead of 'actually' to convey that something has concrete existence.

to factually exist

Substitutes 'actually' with 'factually', highlighting verifiable existence.

to verifiably exist

Focuses on existence that can be proven or confirmed.

to concretely exist

Emphasizes the tangible or physical reality of existence.

to materially exist

Highlights existence in terms of physical substance or matter.

to have real existence

Rephrases the concept to focus on the possession of real existence.

to be truly present

Shifts the focus to presence rather than general existence, implying actuality.

to hold substance

Implies that something has a real and measurable presence or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "to actually exist" in a sentence?

Use "to actually exist" to emphasize the real or concrete presence of something, particularly when there might be doubt or disbelief. For instance, "Despite the rumors, the ancient artifact continues "to actually exist"".

What are some alternatives to "to actually exist"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to genuinely exist", "to truly exist", or "to really exist" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "to actually exist"?

It's appropriate to use "to actually exist" when you want to emphasize that something is not merely theoretical or imaginary but has a tangible, verifiable presence. This can be useful in debates, analyses, or descriptive contexts where clarity about reality is important.

Is there a difference between "to exist" and "to actually exist"?

While "to exist" simply states that something is, "to actually exist" adds emphasis on the reality of that existence. It suggests that there might be a reason to doubt or question whether the thing in question is genuinely present or real. For example, the sentence "Does the fountain of youth "to actually exist"?" implies a degree of skepticism.