exists
exists — verb
- existspresent simple I / you / we / they
- existses3rd person singular
- existsing-ing form
- existsedpast simple
1. to be present in a particular place or to be a real thing in the world rather th
to be present in a particular place or to be a real thing in the world rather than an imaginary one
The old stone bridge still exists near the village where Mei grew up.
exist + near [place] — physical location
Scientists have shown that microscopic life exists in the deepest parts of the ocean.
A serious problem exists in the city's public transport system.
The tradition of making handmade paper still exists in that small town.
- be present
More specific about location; 'exist' can mean real without a specific place
- occur
Used mainly for events, problems, or natural phenomena rather than objects or traditions
- remain
Focuses on continuing to exist after other things have changed or disappeared
文法句型
exist + in/at/on [place or domain]
用法筆記
This sense is rarely used in continuous forms (is existing / was existing). It occurs most naturally in the simple present and simple past tenses.
常見錯誤
2. to stay alive, especially when you have very little food, money, or other resour
to stay alive, especially when you have very little food, money, or other resources to support yourself
Many families in that region exist on less than two dollars each day.
exist + on [small amount of money]
The birds exist mainly on insects and wild berries during the cold winter.
After the earthquake, the survivors existed for days on nothing but bottled water.
The artist exists on very little money while painting in a small studio.
文法句型
exist + on [resources]
exist + by [means]
用法筆記
Often followed by 'on' to specify the means of survival (food, money, or other resources). Frequently used with 'barely', 'hardly', or 'just' to emphasise difficulty. Do not use this sense for normal daily living — use 'live' instead.