a surviving member

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a surviving member" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an individual who remains alive after a group or family has experienced loss, often in contexts related to death or tragedy. Example: "At the memorial service, we honored the life of the deceased and acknowledged the contributions of a surviving member of the family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Five bidders went for "Nix on Nixon" by Alfred Leslie, a surviving member of the New York School.

The New York Times

This is not the kind of rumination that will ever come from a surviving member of the New York Dolls.

The New York Times - Books

Jim Himes, a second-term congressman from Connecticut, is a surviving member of one of Washington's most endangered species: a Democrat with Wall Street ties.

The New York Times

The much rarer modern two-toed sloth, a surviving member of the megalonychid family, is less "slothful," Dr. Oren said, and can move swiftly and forcefully if threatened.

The New York Times - Science

Among those due to perform at the service was the cellist, singer and conductor Simon Wallfisch, grandson of Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, 89, a surviving member of the women's orchestra in Auschwitz.

Independent

A surviving member of staff at the besieged Charlie Hebdo magazine said a cover out tomorrow featuring the Prophet Mohamed should help "open the door to forgiveness" for the terrorists who killed her colleagues.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

BEATE ZSCHÄPE has just been charged in a Munich court as the surviving member of a neo-Nazi trio that, between 2000 and 2007, murdered eight Turks, one Greek and a policewoman, besides planting nail bombs and robbing banks.

The Economist

At the family's villa, George speaks to the family's sole surviving member, a Countess, who leads him to the De Vasconcellos mausoleum.

Wikipedia

Dr. Hillebrand, an authority on Southwestern archeology, was the last surviving member of a group who had made the Dept. of Anthropology famous in the earlier part of the 20th century.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, October 16, 1954 P. 26 Dr. Hillebrand, an authority on Southwestern archeology, was the last surviving member of a group who had made the Dept. of Anthropology famous in the earlier part of the 20th century.

The New Yorker

By Oliver LaFarge The New Yorker, October 16, 1954 P. 26 Dr. Hillebrand, an authority on Southwestern archeology, was the last surviving member of a group who had made the Dept. of Anthropology famous in the earlier part of the 20th century.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a surviving member" to respectfully acknowledge an individual's resilience after experiencing loss or hardship.

Common error

Avoid using "a surviving member" in contexts that sensationalize tragedy. Focus on factual reporting and respectful language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a surviving member" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in identifying individuals who remain alive after a group has faced loss.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a surviving member" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote an individual who has outlived others in a group, as validated by Ludwig AI. While relatively uncommon, its usage appears predominantly in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. The phrase serves to identify and acknowledge individuals who have endured loss, requiring sensitivity in its application. Alternatives such as "a remaining member" or "the sole survivor" may be considered depending on the desired nuance. By being aware of the phrase's grammatical correctness and the contextual appropriateness, writers can effectively communicate with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remaining member

Focuses on the aspect of being one of the few that are left.

a living member

Emphasizes the fact that the person is still alive.

the sole survivor

Highlights the uniqueness of being the only one left.

an outliving member

Highlights the member who has surpassed the other members.

an enduring member

Focuses on the ability to last or remain.

the last of

Indicates that the person is the final representative of something.

the last one standing

Suggests resilience and persistence.

the only one left

Stresses the loneliness and isolation of being the only survivor.

a sole remainder

Emphasizes the condition of being the only thing that has been left after a loss.

one who persists

Highlights the act of continuing to exist despite difficulties.

FAQs

How to use "a surviving member" in a sentence?

You can use "a surviving member" to refer to someone who is still alive after others in their group have died. For example, "The project was completed by "a surviving member" of the original team".

What can I say instead of "a surviving member"?

Alternatives include "a remaining member", "a living member", or "the sole survivor", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a surviving member" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "a surviving member" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and respectful way to refer to someone who has outlived others. However, always consider the context and ensure the language is sensitive.

What's the difference between "a surviving member" and "the last surviving member"?

"A surviving member" implies that there are multiple survivors, whereas "the last surviving member" indicates that the person is the only one still alive. For instance, "A surviving member of the band spoke at the reunion", versus "He was "the last surviving member" of his WWII platoon".