What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exists
Example
The unicorn does not exist in reality. [exist: verb]
Example
The existence of aliens has been a topic of debate for years. [existence: noun]
subsist
Example
The family subsisted on rice and beans for weeks. [subsist: verb]
Example
The homeless man was able to subsist on the streets by begging for food. [subsisting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exists is more common than subsist in everyday language. Exists is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while subsist is more specific and often used in discussions about survival or ethics.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between exists and subsist?
Exists is a neutral word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while subsist is more formal and often used in academic or philosophical discussions.
