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To express that the results already exist, should I say:

  • "the existed result", or
  • "the existent result", or
  • "the existing result"?
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2 Answers 2

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To express the results that are already existing, use: (the) existing results.

The word exist is an intransitive verb, so we don't use it in the passive voice, and we also don't use existed as an adjective. This rules out existed.

Both existing and existent could be used with something that exists, to refer to the state of existing (or existence). However, existent would evoke the sense of existence which is related to philosophy and life in general. So, I believe that the word you are looking for is existing (for your existing results).

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  • Another related word is extant.
    – user230
    Jan 21, 2014 at 18:45
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Existing is either a verb or an adjective. Existent is always an adjective. "It was obvious the poor animal had been barely existing on meager scraps for weeks." "I'm not living. I'm merely existing day-to-day."

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  • 7
    While this is correct, it's not clear how this answers the question. Can you edit to finish your thought? Feb 1, 2017 at 2:51
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    Why is existing a verb? Mar 18, 2022 at 8:12
  • 1
    "existing" is a gerund (present participle), not a verb. Apr 26 at 8:57

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