we have existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have existed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the state of being or presence of a group or entity over a period of time. Example: "Throughout history, we have existed in various forms, adapting to the changes around us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We have existed with and without sponsorship.

The Guardian - Music

We have been singing stories for as long as we have existed.

The Guardian - Music

"We have existed for 85 years, and will continue to do so," it continued.

The New York Times

"The sooner that people forget that we have existed, the sooner it will mean that the people who live in Milton Keynes have adopted their own city," he had said in 1973.

The Guardian

"We have existed since 1825 and have been doing the same thing since then," says Dieter Brand, chairman of the Sparkasse, or savings bank, in Bielefeld, the region's biggest town.

The Economist

"I want something very tangible in place that would be encouraging for those of us who have to carry the ball," Mr. Howard said, adding that Mr. Bush's push for more local control and his plea for high standards were "pie-in-the-sky, hopeful kinds of things that we have existed on for years and years".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"We've existed for 130 years.

The Economist

"Or, really, for as long as we've existed.

The New Yorker

"They want to take these islands and the way we've existed for 150 years".

The New York Times

What seems more plausible to you, that we've existed in past lives, or that there is a God? A. Neither seems plausible to me.

The New York Times

We've existed for only 20 years, and it would be very naive to think that after 20 years - actually one generation - everything would change," Ms Krnacova says.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have existed" when you want to emphasize the duration or continuity of your group's or entity's presence over time. For example, "We have existed for centuries, adapting to changing circumstances."

Common error

Avoid using "we have existed" when a more active verb would be more appropriate and direct. For example, instead of "We have existed in this market for ten years", consider "We have operated in this market for ten years."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have existed" functions as a statement of fact, indicating the presence or being of a group or entity over a period. Ludwig AI highlights its use in diverse contexts, affirming its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have existed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the continuous presence of a group or entity over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a statement of fact, often employed to establish historical context or emphasize longevity. While its register is generally neutral, more specific language may be preferable in highly formal writing. When considering alternative phrasing, options like "we have been around" or "we have been in existence" can offer nuanced variations on the same fundamental concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have been around

Uses a more colloquial expression to convey the idea of existing for a period of time.

we have been in existence

More formal and emphasizes the state of being in existence.

we have lived

Focuses on the experience of living or existing.

we were present

Highlights the presence of the group at a specific time or period.

we have occurred

Implies that something has happened or taken place involving the group.

we have come into being

Emphasizes the origin or beginning of existence.

we have maintained our presence

Highlights the continuation of existence and active maintenance.

we have had our being

A more philosophical or poetic way of expressing existence.

we have endured

Focuses on surviving or lasting through difficult times.

we have always been

Emphasizes the continuous nature of existence since the beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "we have existed" in a sentence?

The phrase "we have existed" is typically used to express the duration of an entity's presence. For example, "We have existed as a company for over a century" indicates the company's long history.

What are some alternatives to "we have existed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "we have been", "we have lived", or "we have been around". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "we have been existed"?

No, "we have been existed" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "we have existed", which uses the present perfect tense of the verb "exist".

What's the difference between "we have existed" and "we exist"?

"We have existed" implies a past and continuing state of being, while "we exist" is a simple statement of present existence. The former emphasizes duration, while the latter emphasizes the current state.