- Do you know which verbs naturally pair with the word “existence” in a professional report?
- Have you ever struggled to describe a “simple” or “difficult” life using more precise vocabulary?
- Are you unsure whether to use the phrase “in existence” or “into existence” in your academic writing?
Mastering Existence Collocations is a vital step toward English fluency. Instead of relying on basic verbs like “have” or “be,” using established word pairings allows you to express complex ideas about life, reality, and history with the precision of a native speaker. This guide will help you move beyond literal translation and start using “existence” naturally in various contexts.
Essential Collocations using EXISTENCE as a Noun
The word “existence” is strictly a noun in English (the corresponding verb is “exist”). It refers to the state of being alive or the fact of being real. In modern English, we categorize its collocations based on how we describe a lifestyle or how something begins or ends.
Adjectives Describing a Way of Life
These collocations are frequently used to describe the quality or nature of someone’s daily life.
- Peaceful existence: A life free from stress or conflict.
Example: After retiring, they enjoyed a peaceful existence in the countryside. - Mundane existence: A boring or repetitive daily routine.
Example: He felt trapped in a mundane existence of office work and chores. - Precarious existence: A way of living that is uncertain or dangerous, often financially.
Example: Many freelance workers lead a precarious existence without a steady salary. - Miserable existence: A life filled with unhappiness or hardship.
Example: The refugees were forced into a miserable existence in the overcrowded camp.
Verbs Used with Existence
These verbs describe the action of creating, ending, or recognizing that something is real.
- Bring into existence: To create something that did not exist before.
Example: The new law helped bring a specialized task force into existence. - Threaten the existence of: To put something at risk of disappearing or dying out.
Example: Climate change threatens the existence of several island nations. - Cease existence (or Cease to exist): To stop being real or alive.
Example: Without funding, the arts program will cease existence by next year. - Acknowledge the existence of: To admit or accept that something is real.
Example: The government refused to acknowledge the existence of the secret document.
Prepositional Phrases with Existence
These are fixed expressions that indicate the status of an object or concept.
- In existence: Currently real or available; still surviving.
Example: This is the oldest manuscript currently in existence. - Out of existence: Moving toward or reaching the state of no longer being.
Example: Many traditional crafts are being squeezed out of existence by automation.
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Peaceful existence | Adjective + Noun | A calm, quiet life. |
| In existence | Prepositional Phrase | Currently real or present. |
| Bring into existence | Verb + Noun | To create or start something. |
| Precarious existence | Adjective + Noun | An unstable or risky life. |
| Wipe out of existence | Verb + Noun Phrase | To destroy something completely. |
| Daily existence | Adjective + Noun | Everyday life and routines. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| The car is in the existence. | The car is in existence. (No article “the” before existence in this phrase). |
| He has a happy exist. | He has a happy existence. (Use the noun, not the verb). |
| Make something into existence. | Bring something into existence. |
| The problem is in existence since 1990. | The problem has existed since 1990. (Use the verb for duration). |
“The startup founders worked tirelessly to bring into existence a platform that would simplify daily existence for busy parents. They knew that without a clear business model, the company’s continued existence was at risk. Today, it is considered one of the most innovative apps in existence.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Existence Collocations
What is the difference between “existence” and “life”?
While often interchangeable, “existence” is more formal and can refer to non-living things (like a company or a law). “Life” is typically reserved for biological organisms. You would say “the existence of a planet,” but “the life of a tiger.”
Do I say “in existence” or “of existence”?
“In existence” is used to say something is real now (e.g., “the best tools in existence”). “Of existence” is usually part of a descriptive phrase (e.g., “the struggle of existence” or “the meaning of existence”).
Is “existence” a countable or uncountable noun?
It is primarily uncountable when referring to the state of being. However, it can be used as a countable noun when referring to specific types of lives (e.g., “They led very different existences”).
Can I say “make an existence”?
No, this is unnatural. If you mean creating something, use “bring into existence.” If you mean earning money to survive, use the idiom “eke out an existence.”
What does “threaten the existence of” mean in a business context?
In business, it means a situation or competitor is so dangerous that your company might go bankrupt or have to close down entirely.
I appreciate the breakdown into lifestyle and beginning/ending categories. This makes it much easier to categorize in my mind. Are there any fixed expressions using 'existence' that aren't quite collocations, like 'struggle for existence'?
Great point, David! Yes, 'struggle for existence' is an excellent example of a fixed expression or idiom where 'existence' plays a key role, often used in biological or philosophical contexts (think Darwin!). Another common one is 'the very existence of something,' emphasizing its fundamental reality. These are indeed a step beyond simple collocations and add another layer of richness to the language!
So, 'existence' is always a noun. This is good to know! I sometimes try to use it as a verb. Thanks for the clear explanation!
This has cleared up a lot for me. I often wondered if 'establish existence' was too clunky. It seems 'come into existence' or 'bring into existence' are more natural. Are there situations where 'establish existence' *is* appropriate, perhaps in legal or scientific contexts?
That's a very perceptive question, Stefan! While 'come/bring into existence' are more common for general creation, 'establish existence' is indeed perfectly appropriate and often preferred in more formal, technical, or legal contexts. It implies proving or confirming the reality of something, or formally setting up a new entity. For example, 'The archaeologists established the existence of the ancient city.' It has a sense of verification or foundation.
I love the emphasis on moving beyond literal translation. This is a core challenge for many of my students. I'd love to see a follow-up article discussing verbs that describe the *duration* or *continuation* of existence, like 'prolong existence' or 'shorten existence'.
Thank you for the wonderful feedback and excellent suggestion, Ananya! You're absolutely right; collocations describing duration and continuation with 'existence' are incredibly valuable for expressing nuance. We'll definitely consider that for a future post. It would complement this guide perfectly!
The example 'After retiring, they enjoyed a peaceful existence' is perfect. It really clarifies 'peaceful existence.' Could you give an example for a 'difficult existence' as well?
Certainly, Oliver! For 'difficult existence,' you could say: 'The refugees faced a difficult existence in the camps, struggling for food and shelter.' This shows how the collocation highlights the challenges and hardships faced.
This is a great start! I find collocations so hard to remember. Any tips for memorizing these, especially the lifestyle ones?
It's true, collocations require practice, Aisha! A few tips: 1) **Contextual Learning:** Always learn them in full sentences. 2) **Flashcards:** Write the collocation on one side and an example sentence on the other. 3) **Active Usage:** Try to use one new collocation in your writing or speaking each day. 4) **Reading:** Notice them when you read native English content. Consistency is key!
I've heard 'bring into existence' and 'call into existence.' Are these completely interchangeable, or do they carry slightly different connotations, perhaps one being more deliberate or forceful?
You've hit on a subtle but important distinction, Kenji! While often used similarly, 'bring into existence' is more general, referring to the act of creation or making something appear. 'Call into existence' often implies a more deliberate, sometimes almost magical or authoritative act of creation, as if summoning something into being. It adds a touch more intentionality or power.
This article is exactly what I needed! I'm writing an academic paper and was struggling with how to phrase parts about 'life on Earth.' 'Precarious existence' comes to mind now. Thank you!
I really appreciate how you explained moving beyond 'have' or 'be.' I'm always looking for ways to sound more like a native speaker. Are there similar articles for other common but tricky nouns?
We're so glad to hear that, Mateo! That's exactly our goal. Yes, we have a whole series of articles on collocations for other common nouns that learners often struggle with, such as 'problem,' 'decision,' and 'opportunity.' Just use the search bar on Translateen.com, and you'll find plenty more to explore!
In my language, we often use a single word that covers 'life' and 'existence' quite broadly. This article makes me think more carefully about the nuances in English. What about 'meagre existence' – is that a common collocation?
That's a fascinating cross-linguistic insight, Elena! Yes, 'meagre existence' is indeed a very common and powerful collocation, often used to describe a difficult life marked by poverty or hardship. It really emphasizes the lack of resources. Thanks for bringing up such a great example!