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Prepositions with nouns

How to use “existence” with prepositions

Existence commonly appears in the fixed expressions in existence and into existence. The phrase of existence is uncommon unless it belongs to a larger structure.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct with “existence”?

Use in existence to mean existing now, and into existence to mean being created or starting to exist. Of existence is not normally used as a fixed phrase by itself.

Very few copies are still in existence.
The new policy came into existence last year.
No evidence of the document remains in existence today.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in existence

Showing that something exists

Use in existence for things that currently exist or once existed.

Only two originals remain in existence.
The species is still in existence today.
2
into existence

Describing creation or beginning

Use into existence when something starts to exist.

The organisation came into existence in 2010.
New technologies are brought into existence every year.
3
existence of + noun

Referring to the fact that something exists

Use existence of when discussing whether something is real or present.

Scientists debated the existence of life on other planets.
They questioned the existence of the agreement.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in existence
Few records are still in existence.
Existing or available.
into existence
The company came into existence in 1998.
Beginning to exist.
of existence
The phrase of existence is not normally used alone as a fixed expression.
Usually nonstandard unless part of a larger phrase such as proof of existence.
existence of
the existence of a problem
The fact that something exists.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of existence as a standalone phrase

English usually uses existence of, not of existence, when introducing what exists.

✕ evidence of existence aliens ✓ evidence of the existence of aliens

Confusing in existence and into existence

In existence describes a state; into existence describes a beginning.

✕ The law is into existence. ✓ The law is in existence.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Only a few copies are still ___ existence.
2. The charity came ___ existence after the flood.
3. They discussed the existence ___ intelligent life elsewhere.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “in existence” mean?

It means that something exists or is still available.

When do we use “into existence”?

Use it when something is created or begins to exist.

Is “of existence” correct?

Not usually as a standalone phrase. English more often uses existence of.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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