was in existence previously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was in existence previously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something existed before a certain point in time or event. Example: "The ancient ruins were a testament to a civilization that was in existence previously, long before modern cities were established."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Pony Express was in existence from 1860 to 1861.

Los Angeles Times

The resulting Kansei Code, not completed until after Yoshimune's death, laid the basis for a more humane law than had previously been in existence.

Britannica

At most it only shows that they were in existence at the trial and permits an inference that they existed somewhere previously.

Cornell University

The home has been in existence since 1869.

The New Yorker

It's been in existence since 1973.

The New Yorker

Only about 800 are in existence today.

The New York Times - Science

This practice has been in existence since 1961.

Cornell University

Sequim Animal Hospital has been in existence since 1930.

Cornell University

Now at a time when we already have legislation like the Patriot Act renewed, and warrantless wiretapping is openly put into practice, this defense act not only indoctrinates AUMF (2001 Authorization for use of Military Force) and many activities that were previously in existence, but it also leaves open the possibility of silencing anyone on a level with which we never even imagined.

Huffington Post

The existence of functionally divergent duplicate sbPAC1 receptors is in line with previously proposed theories about the origin and maintenance of duplicated genes.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The Hanseatic League was now in existence.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was in existence previously", ensure the context clearly indicates the timeframe to which you are referring. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "was in existence previously" in situations where a simpler phrase like "existed before" or "previously existed" would suffice. Overcomplicating language can reduce clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was in existence previously" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of being in the past. It suggests that something had a presence or reality before a specific point in time. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

22%

Science

21%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was in existence previously" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something existed at an earlier time. Although correct, it's relatively rare and may be replaced with simpler alternatives like "previously existed" or "existed before". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, though careful consideration of the context will ensure the most effective communication. It's often used in neutral to formal registers, such as news, academic writing, and encyclopedic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously existed

A more concise way of expressing the same idea, focusing on the action of existing.

had existed before

Emphasizes the completion of the existence before a specific point in time.

existed prior to

A slightly more formal way to indicate existence before a certain time.

was formerly in existence

Adds emphasis to the previous state of existence.

used to exist

A common and simple way to express that something existed in the past but not now.

had been around before

An informal way of saying something existed or was present in the past.

was present earlier

Focuses on the presence of something at an earlier time.

existed in the past

A straightforward way to indicate past existence.

was available before

Highlights the availability of something in the past.

had been established

Focuses on the creation or establishment of something in the past.

FAQs

What does "was in existence previously" mean?

It means something existed at an earlier time but may not exist now. It indicates that something had a presence or reality before a specific point in the past.

How can I use "was in existence previously" in a sentence?

For example, "The defense act not only indoctrinates AUMF and many activities that "was in existence previously", but it also leaves open the possibility of silencing anyone on a level with which we never even imagined."

What's a simpler way to say "was in existence previously"?

You could use "previously existed" or "existed before". Both convey the same meaning with fewer words.

Is "was in existence previously" formal or informal?

It leans toward the formal side, but you can use the shorter and more neutral alternatives such as "previously existed" or "existed before" in most situations.