whether it exists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whether it exists" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the existence or non-existence of something, often in a hypothetical or uncertain context. Example: "The researchers are investigating whether it exists in nature or is merely a theoretical concept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

No wonder few people agree on its future — or even, for that matter, whether it exists in the first place.

The New York Times

So if the consequent is to be true on actualist representationism, 'something' should not mean "some existing thing" but rather should mean "some thing, irrespective of whether it exists".

SEP

Some researchers have asked whether it exists at all.

The New York Times - Health

"Not even whether it exists," the Observer was told.

The Guardian

The important restriction was that no question about whether it exists or not can arise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

British politicians may begin to wonder whether it exists at all.

The Economist

"I did genuinely for a moment wonder if reality was a simulation, whether it exists only to trick me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's not whether it exists or not, it's the fact that the mechanism is there to make it easy".

The New Yorker

The spots have been the subject of recurrent controversy on the question of whether it exists at all.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But it does at least purport to be rooted in the real world - and its weaknesses, as well as its strengths, spring from its capacity to amplify experiences that would take place whether it existed or not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bears were asking why the company needed all that cash and were questioning whether it existed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whether it exists" to introduce a debate or uncertainty about the reality or actuality of a concept, phenomenon, or entity.

Common error

Avoid using "whether it exists" in situations where the existence of the subject is already assumed or irrelevant to the discussion. For instance, instead of saying, "Consider the implications, whether it exists or not," simply state, "Consider the implications" if the possibility of its non-existence doesn't impact the consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whether it exists" functions as a subordinate clause, typically introducing a question or expressing uncertainty about the reality or actuality of something. It often appears within a larger sentence, contributing to a conditional or interrogative structure, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whether it exists" is a versatile phrase used to question or express uncertainty about the existence of something. It functions as a subordinate clause and is grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig. The phrase is prevalent in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating its widespread applicability. While generally neutral, it is essential to ensure clarity and avoid redundancy in its use. Ludwig's examples showcase its common usage, reinforcing its utility in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it is actual

Focuses on whether something is truly present or happening in reality.

if it is real

Focuses on the reality of something, rather than its mere existence.

whether it's a reality

Directly questions if something is a real and tangible aspect of the world.

if it is factual

Emphasizes the factual basis of something, questioning its veracity.

if it is genuine

Questions the authenticity or sincerity of something.

if it is verifiable

Highlights the ability to prove or confirm something's existence or truth.

if it holds true

Focuses on the validity or accuracy of something over time or in different situations.

if it is the case

Questions whether a particular situation or circumstance is true.

if it is substantive

Emphasizes whether something has real importance or value.

if it can be found

Highlights the ability to locate or discover something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "whether it exists" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the question of its existence", "the matter of its actuality", or "the issue of its reality" instead of "whether it exists".

Is it always necessary to use "whether it exists", or are there shorter alternatives?

In many cases, you can simply use "if it exists". However, "whether it exists" is useful when you are presenting two alternatives: existence or non-existence.

What's the difference between "if it exists" and "whether it exists"?

"If it exists" typically introduces a conditional statement. "Whether it exists" presents a question of existence, often implying a consideration of both possibilities (existence and non-existence).

Can "whether it exists" be used in philosophical discussions?

Yes, "whether it exists" is commonly used in philosophical discussions when questioning the reality or actuality of concepts, entities, or phenomena.