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"Exists" is a form of "exist", an intransitive verb which is often translated as "existir". "Take place" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "tener lugar". Learn more about the difference between "take place" and "exists" below.
take place(
teyk
pleys
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (to be set)
a. tener lugar
The interview took place at their New York office.La entrevista tuvo lugar en su oficina de Nueva York.
2. (to happen)
exist(
ehg
-
zihst
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (to be real)
a. existir
The largest animal known to exist is the blue whale.El animal más grande conocido que existe es la ballena azul.
2. (to subsist)
a. subsistir
It is difficult for a single mother to exist on the minimum wage.Es difícil para una madre soltera subsistir con el salario mínimo.
b. sobrevivir
They existed on spaghetti, beans, and tuna when they were college students.Sobrevivieron a base de espagueti, frijoles y atún cuando eran estudiantes universitarios.
c. vivir
Ever since Sebastian became ill, he exists only on a liquid diet.Desde que enfermó Sebastián, vive solo a base de dieta de líquidos.