to indicate their existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to indicate their existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the purpose of something that serves to show or demonstrate that something is present or real. Example: "The signs were placed along the trail to indicate their existence, ensuring that hikers were aware of the wildlife in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Regarding these CDSs, we propose a novel nomenclature to indicate that their existence was experimentally verified by proteogenomics.

BMC Genomics

Lowercase x's and shading are used to indicate the existence and nonexistence, respectively, of some (at least one) member of a given class.

Britannica

These were taken to indicate the existence of yet another planet orbiting beyond Neptune.

Wikipedia

This related trunkline was unsigned by the state with only city street signs to indicate its existence.

Wikipedia

If only spell check could squiggle "flawless" to indicate it's lack of real life existence.

Huffington Post

The number of fibers between regions was only used to indicate the existence/absence of the edge.

BioMed Research International

Indeed, the long tail that corresponds to low DKNN values could indicate the existence of dense regions.

Plosone

Changes in assortment that occurred due to the presence of selection indicate the existence of rapid evolutionary dynamics.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Possibly, the distinct expression profiles of these genes and their 5′UTR indicate existence of riboswitches, although further experimental work is required to support such a hypothesis.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Although a variety of measurements indicate the existence of such dependencies, their origin and importance for neural coding are poorly understood.

Stanford University

It remains to be shown whether these findings indicate the existence of natural frequencies at which specific networks operate.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to indicate their existence", ensure the context clearly defines what 'their' refers to, avoiding ambiguity in your writing. For example: "The warning signs were installed to indicate their existence, ensuring hikers knew of the potential dangers."

Common error

Avoid using "to indicate their existence" when referring to abstract concepts or intangible items. It's best suited for situations where physical presence or tangible evidence is being highlighted. For example, it would be awkward to say "The vague policies indicate their existence", when you might be better off with "The vague policies suggest they exist."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to indicate their existence" serves as an infinitive phrase functioning as an adverbial of purpose. It explains the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to indicate their existence" is grammatically sound and serves to express the purpose of showing or demonstrating that something exists. Although Ludwig confirms its correctness, its lack of frequent usage across various contexts suggests considering alternative expressions to achieve clarity and impact. When employing the phrase, attention should be given to context and scope to ensure that the reader accurately grasps the message being conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to confirm they exist

A more straightforward and less nuanced way of stating that something's existence is being verified.

to signify their presence

Focuses on 'presence' rather than 'existence', suggesting a more immediate or tangible manifestation.

to signal they are there

Simpler and more direct, using 'signal' to convey a clear communication of their location or presence.

to demonstrate their being real

Directly states that the purpose is to show that something is not imaginary but real.

to denote their being

More formal and philosophical, emphasizing the state of 'being' rather than simply existing.

to prove they are real

A stronger assertion, implying conclusive evidence that leaves no doubt about their existence.

to evidence their actuality

Emphasizes the 'actuality' or reality of their existence, adding a layer of certainty.

to manifest their reality

Suggests a more active or visible demonstration of their realness.

to attest to their being

Formal and legalistic, implying a sworn statement or strong confirmation of their existence.

to reveal their status

Focuses on uncovering or making known their current condition or position.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "to indicate their existence" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "to demonstrate their presence", "to attest to their being", or "to evidence their actuality" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's a simpler way to say "to indicate their existence"?

Simpler alternatives include phrases like "to show they are there", "to prove they are real", or "to confirm they exist".

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "to indicate their existence"?

This phrase is well-suited for contexts where you are pointing out tangible signs or evidence that something real is present. It's appropriate in scientific reports, encyclopedic entries, and when describing physical artifacts or phenomena. For example, "Archaeological finds indicate the existence of a settlement on the site".

Are there any common grammatical errors to avoid when using "to indicate their existence"?

Ensure that "their" clearly refers to a previously mentioned plural noun or concept. Ambiguity can arise if the antecedent of "their" is unclear. Rephrase to ensure clarity, for instance, "The signs were designed to indicate the animals' existence", if it refers to animals.