"don't have existence" vs "don't have their own existence"

Question

"don't have existence" vs "don't have their own existence"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Don't have their own existence' implies that something exists but not independently, while 'don't have existence' simply means something does not exist. The choice between the two depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used when you want to state that something does not exist at all. It is a straightforward way to express the absence of existence.

Examples:

Unicorns don't have existence in the real world; they are mythical creatures.
In the realm of science fiction, time travel doesn't have existence as we understand it.
The concept of a perpetual motion machine doesn't have existence in the laws of physics.
In his mind, the idea of failure doesn't have existence; he only focuses on success.
For some people, the supernatural doesn't have existence; they believe only in the natural world.

Alternatives:

do not exist
are non-existent
have no existence
lack existence
are devoid of existence

This phrase is used when you want to convey that something exists but not as a separate or independent entity. It implies a lack of individual existence.

Examples:

The characters in the story don't have their own existence; they only exist within the narrative created by the author.
These ideas don't have their own existence; they are borrowed from various philosophical schools.
In a virtual world, avatars don't have their own existence; they are controlled by the players.
The shadows on the wall don't have their own existence; they are just projections of objects in front of the light source.
The memories we hold don't have their own existence; they are constructed and reconstructed by our minds.

Alternatives:

don't exist independently
lack individual existence
are not self-existent
are dependent on something else for existence
are not self-sustaining

Answer 1

don't have existence

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate that something simply does not exist.

Answer 2

don't have their own existence

This phrase is correct and commonly used to imply that something exists but not independently.

"don't have existence" vs "don't have their own existence"

don't have existence

don't have their own existence

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