used to existing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "used to existing" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a misphrasing; the correct expression would typically be "used to existing" in the context of being accustomed to something. Example: "After living in the city for several years, I am used to existing in a fast-paced environment."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I am used to existing in supposedly conflicting worlds.

The Guardian - Music

In Tokyo, fashion, after all, is used to existing without political context.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tong had to get used to existing on a lot less little sleep.

The Guardian - Tech

We've become used to existing assistive technologies in our cars, such as cruise control, self-parking or collision detection, but fully autonomous vehicles are something else.

The Guardian

The computer industry believes in squeezing a general-purpose computer into a small casing; the mobile-phone industry takes a more gentle, gradualist approach of adding new features as consumers get used to existing ones.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Like other carriers, Verizon Wireless charges about $20 more to add unlimited international data use to existing domestic data plans, which typically begin at around $35 a month.

The New York Times

In Canada, air traffic control authorities have started talking to Norad, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, about adding commercial uses to existing air defense sites in the Arctic.

The New York Times - Travel

It can be used to make existing services more useful.

The Economist

access to land in Britain that would be used to expand existing nuclear facilities.

The New York Times

As an author, you're used to everything existing in your head.

The Guardian - Books

Proceeds will be used to retire existing debt, including $242 million in bonds due this November.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer "accustomed to existing" or rephrase to use more common and grammatically sound alternatives like "familiar with" or "adapted to" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using "existing" directly after "used to". "Used to" typically requires a verb in gerund form (e.g., "being") or a noun phrase. Instead of "used to existing", consider "used to being" or "used to the existence of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used to existing" functions as an attempt to describe familiarity or adaptation, but it is grammatically flawed. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is a misphrasing. The correct expression would typically be "used to being" or "accustomed to existing".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "used to existing" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. Ludwig AI highlights that it's a misphrasing. While some instances appear in sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, it's more appropriate to use alternatives such as "accustomed to existing" or "familiar with existing" to clearly and correctly convey the intended meaning of being familiar or habituated to a particular state. Pay close attention to grammatical correctness and opt for established phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accustomed to existing

Replaces "used" with "accustomed", providing a more formal synonym with similar meaning.

familiar with existing

Shifts the focus to familiarity, suggesting a level of knowledge or awareness about the existing state.

adapted to existing

Highlights the process of adaptation, indicating an adjustment to the existing conditions.

habituated to existing

Emphasizes the development of a habit or routine in relation to the existing situation.

used to the existing

Adds "the", implying a specific existing thing or situation being accustomed to.

used to exist

Indicates a past state of existence, a shift in tense that implies something no longer exists.

used to living

Replaces "existing" with "living", specifying a mode of being.

used to being

Focuses on being in a certain state or condition, replacing "existing" with a gerund.

used to the existence of

Highlights the act of existence and acceptance of that fact

used to the current state

Implies a familiarity with the current situation or status of something

FAQs

How can I correctly use the phrase similar to "used to existing"?

Instead of "used to existing", try using "accustomed to existing", "familiar with existing", or "adapted to existing" depending on the intended meaning.

Is "used to existing" grammatically correct?

No, "used to existing" is not grammatically correct. The correct form would be "used to being" or "used to the existence of".

What does "used to existing" mean?

The intended meaning of "used to existing" is to convey familiarity or habituation with a current state of affairs. However, it is not grammatically sound. Use "accustomed to existing" or "familiar with existing".

What's the difference between "used to existing" and "used to being"?

"Used to existing" is grammatically incorrect, whereas "used to being" is correct. "Used to being" implies familiarity or habituation with a state of being.