all but extinct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all but extinct" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a species or thing that is nearly extinct or has almost disappeared. Example: "The once-thriving population of the species is now all but extinct due to habitat loss and climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

In 1997, Roberts was walking through a bootlegger's field near Dillon, South Carolina, when he came upon a patch of Carolina white gourdseed — an all but extinct variety of corn once famous for its floral aroma and creamy texture.

The New Yorker

Except that these are all but extinct.

The Economist

The species is all but extinct.

The New York Times

People are spending carefully; discretionary funds are all but extinct.

The New York Times

Tigers are all but extinct in their native habitat.

The New York Times

The film is mostly a reminder that their kind of stardom is all but extinct.

The New York Times - Arts

Moderate Republican governors, a thriving species before last year's elections, are all but extinct.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Then, basked in the bluish glow of some black-and-white television show, I will eat my faux-chocolate, crème-filled, Bloomberg-infuriating, chemical-rich, bad-for-me, really-really-bad-for-me, all-but-extinct Ring Dings.

The New York Times

Mr. Cooper is attempting to resurrect an all-but-extinct theatrical breed embodied by the onetime Broadway regular Tommy Tune: a dance-savvy performer and creator in one, whose very presence can kick-start a project.

The New York Times - Arts

Sutee Kunavichayanont also deals with an all-but-extinct Thai past with his near-lifesize figure of an inflatable elephant, lying flat and wrinkled on the gallery floor, waiting for infusions of air to give it form.

The New York Times - Arts

They're all-but-extinct.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all but extinct", ensure the subject truly represents a near-extinct state, not simply rare or uncommon. Using the phrase accurately adds impact and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "all but extinct" when describing something that is merely declining or less popular. Reserve it for situations where near or complete disappearance is genuinely the case. Using weaker alternatives like "becoming rare" or "declining in popularity" can be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all but extinct" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it intensifies the adjective 'extinct', indicating a state of near-total disappearance. This usage adds emphasis to the degree of rarity or non-existence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all but extinct" is a common and correct way to describe something that is nearly gone or no longer in existence. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It is frequently used in news and media contexts and has a neutral register. While it can appear in formal contexts, the phrase is broadly applicable. Alternatives like "nearly extinct", "virtually extinct", and "almost extinct" can be used, depending on the specific nuance required. Ensure accurate usage by only applying it to situations of genuine near-extinction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly extinct

Replaces "all but" with "nearly", offering a slightly more direct synonym for the state of being close to extinction.

virtually extinct

Substitutes "all but" with "virtually", emphasizing the practical or effective equivalence to being extinct.

almost extinct

Uses "almost" in place of "all but", providing a simple and widely understood alternative to indicate nearness to extinction.

practically extinct

Replaces "all but" with "practically", highlighting the functional reality of extinction even if technically not fully complete.

on the verge of extinction

Shifts the phrasing to emphasize the imminence of extinction, rather than the current state.

close to extinction

Offers a more literal and straightforward way to describe proximity to extinction.

nearing extinction

Uses a verb form to describe the process of approaching extinction.

facing extinction

Emphasizes the active threat and challenge of extinction.

in danger of extinction

Highlights the peril and risk associated with the possibility of extinction.

vanishing rapidly

Focuses on the speed and process of disappearance, rather than the endpoint of extinction itself.

FAQs

How can I use "all but extinct" in a sentence?

You can use "all but extinct" to describe something that is nearly gone or no longer exists. For example, "The traditional skills of craftsmanship are now "all but extinct" in the modern world".

What's a good alternative to "all but extinct"?

Alternatives include "nearly extinct", "virtually extinct", or "almost extinct", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "all but extinct"?

Yes, "all but extinct" is a correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that something is very close to being completely gone.

What does "all but extinct" mean?

"All but extinct" means that something is very close to being completely extinct or no longer in existence. It implies that only a few examples remain.