we are simply existing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are simply existing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a state of being or a feeling of just going through life without any particular purpose or excitement. Example: "In this fast-paced world, sometimes it feels like we are simply existing, rather than truly living."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

'People of my age are no longer living, they are simply existing,' she said.

The Guardian

Wiggins reckons the market for Facebook Messenger games is huge, noting that Facebook Messenger has 1.36 billion monthly users, but says that most games are simply existing experiences or titles being ported over.

TechCrunch

Many of Islamic State's affiliates and provinces outside of its core territory are simply existing jihadist organizations, or splinters of those organizations, that have attempted to leverage Islamic State's prestige by rebranding themselves as affiliates.

Huffington Post

We are simply testing an existing assumption and believe these findings will have implications for empirical researchers and court scholars more generally.

Duke University

We are not collecting more data, we are simply using the existing data to its full potential". The draft report on interoperability between EU information systems focusing on borders and visa was adopted by 45, to 10, with no abstentions.

European Parliament

Proponents of the Stupak language say they are simply following existing federal law, which already bars taxpayer financing for abortions.

The New York Times

Whether dying unicellular organisms are simply using existing enzymatic activities by default in stress situations (circumstantial death) or whether the CD pathway is genetically encoded needs further studies.

Cell Death and Disease

Many apparently new parties are also simply existing ones which have been rebranded with a new name.

EPJ Data Science

Development costs of such models, which are simply variations on existing platforms, are thin, and profit margins are fat.

The New York Times

And many of those apps are simply links to existing web apps.

TechCrunch

"Whether it be simply reinterpreting existing album art or creating something less specific and referential, we are ardent believers in the ability of visual elements to create a new context for listening". .

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are simply existing" to express a sense of detachment or lack of fulfillment in life. It can be powerful in conveying a feeling of being stuck or merely surviving.

Common error

Avoid using "we are simply existing" when you mean to convey a fulfilling or active life. "Existing" implies a basic state of being, while "living" suggests engagement and enjoyment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are simply existing" functions as a statement expressing a state of being. It typically acts as a comment on the quality of life, suggesting a lack of fulfillment or purpose. It is a declaration of a condition, as seen in the Ludwig examples where it is used to describe a state of survival rather than thriving.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are simply existing" is used to express a state of being where one feels like they are merely surviving, lacking true purpose or fulfillment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While there are no exact examples in the provided data, related phrases like "we are merely surviving" or "we are just getting by" offer similar sentiments. When using this phrase, be mindful to differentiate it from "truly living", which implies a more engaged and purposeful life. This phrase is generally neutral in register and can be used in various contexts to convey a feeling of disillusionment or dissatisfaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are merely surviving

Focuses on the basic act of survival, implying a lack of thriving or enjoyment.

we are just getting by

Emphasizes managing to live with limited resources or under difficult circumstances.

we are only subsisting

Highlights a minimal existence, barely meeting essential needs.

we are vegetating

Suggests a passive and uneventful existence, lacking purpose or activity.

we are stagnating

Implies a lack of progress or development, remaining in an unchanging state.

we are in a holding pattern

Indicates a temporary state of waiting, without moving forward.

we are marking time

Suggests engaging in meaningless activities while waiting for something to happen.

we are treading water

Emphasizes effort to maintain the current situation without making progress.

we are eking out an existence

Highlights the struggle to survive with very limited means or opportunities.

we are going through the motions

Implies performing actions without genuine feeling or engagement.

FAQs

How can I use "we are simply existing" in a sentence?

You can use "we are simply existing" to express a state of being where you feel like you are just going through the motions without real purpose or enjoyment. For example, "In this monotonous routine, it feels like "we are simply existing"."

What can I say instead of "we are simply existing"?

You can use alternatives like "we are merely surviving", "we are just getting by", or "we are only subsisting" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "we are simply existing" and "we are truly living"?

"We are simply existing" implies a basic, perhaps unfulfilling state of being, whereas "we are truly living" suggests an active, purposeful, and enjoyable experience of life. The former focuses on survival; the latter on thriving.

When is it appropriate to use "we are simply existing"?

It is appropriate to use "we are simply existing" when you want to express a sense of stagnation, lack of purpose, or merely going through the motions without genuine engagement or fulfillment in life.