to exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to exist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the state of being or the presence of something. Example: "Many philosophers have debated the nature of reality and what it means for something to exist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How to exist".

The New York Times

It ceased to exist.

The New Yorker

Cannibalism used to exist.

The New Yorker

Twitter needed to exist.

The New Yorker

It had to exist.

The New Yorker

"You weren't supposed to exist".

The New Yorker

Women barely seem to exist.

The New York Times - Books

Never to exist again.

The Guardian - Books

Racial discrimination obviously continues to exist.

The New York Times

That district ceased to exist in January.

The Economist

Since 1995 it has ceased to exist.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to exist", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "to be alive" or "to come into being" can provide more descriptive detail depending on the context.

Common error

Be mindful of redundant phrasing. Instead of saying "to exist in reality", consider simply using "to exist" or "to be real" for conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to exist" functions primarily as a verb, indicating the state of being or having reality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts. For example, sentences like "Twitter needed to exist" demonstrate its function in expressing necessity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to exist" is a versatile and commonly used infinitive phrase that signifies the state of being or having reality. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various registers, from formal academic writing to informal news reports. Its primary function is to assert presence or reality, and while it can be replaced with alternatives like "to be" or "to live" depending on the context, it provides a direct and clear way to express existence. Avoiding redundancy and considering the specific nuance you want to convey will help you use "to exist" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be in existence

Emphasizes the current state of existing, adding a bit of formality.

to be alive

Focuses on the state of being living, emphasizing life rather than just existence.

to have being

A more philosophical way of saying "to exist", stressing the nature of existence.

to come into being

Highlights the beginning of existence, emphasizing the process of starting to exist.

to remain

Implies continuing existence, focusing on persistence over time.

to endure

Focuses on surviving through hardship, highlighting the ability to last.

to subsist

Emphasizes maintaining a minimal level of existence, often in difficult conditions.

to materialize

Focuses on becoming real or concrete, often from an abstract or potential state.

to occur

Shifts the focus to an event or phenomenon taking place or coming into existence.

to prevail

Implies dominance and continued existence despite opposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "to exist" to describe the state of being, such as: "Many ancient civilizations have ceased "to exist"." It can also refer to concepts or possibilities.

What are some alternatives to "to exist"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to be", "to live", "to survive", or "to occur".

Is it better to say "to exist" or "to be in existence"?

"To exist" is generally more concise and commonly used. "To be in existence" is more formal and emphasizes the state of existing.

When should I use "to exist" instead of "to happen"?

Use ""to exist"" when referring to the state of being or the presence of something. Use "to happen" when referring to an event or occurrence.