are extant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are extant" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something currently exists or is still in existence, often in reference to documents, artifacts, or species. Example: "Only a few manuscripts of the original text are extant, making them invaluable to historians."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Books I V are extant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

None of Diodorus' writings are extant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anonymous 17th-century epithalamiums are extant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No images of her as a young woman are extant.

The New York Times - Books

At least 90 drawings for the project are extant.

The New York Times - Arts

Three letters written during his exile are extant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More than 40 of his writings are extant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of her poems, 31 are extant; of her letters, 458.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are extant, but, in almost every way, are already extinct.

The New York Times - Science

A comprehensive overview of the series would be impossible in any case: only 51 episodes are extant.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Because Andersen rarely destroyed anything he wrote, his diaries and thousands of his letters are extant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are extant" to specifically denote that something continues to exist despite potential challenges or the passage of time, especially when referring to historical documents, species, or artistic works. For example: "Several original manuscripts of Shakespeare's plays are extant."

Common error

Avoid using "are extant" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "still exist" or "are around" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are extant" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of being of a plural subject. According to Ludwig, it indicates that something is still in existence. Examples include "Books I–V are extant" and "Anonymous 17th-century epithalamiums are extant".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

33%

News & Media

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are extant" is a formal phrase used to indicate that something still exists. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts. While versatile, remember to reserve its use for formal writing, opting for simpler terms like "still exist" in casual conversation. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in describing historical documents and artistic works, emphasizing its role in asserting the survival of entities across time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still exist

Focuses on the continuation of existence, simplifying the original phrase.

are still in existence

Emphasizes the ongoing state of being, adding a bit of redundancy for clarity.

remain in existence

Similar to "are still in existence" but slightly more formal.

have survived

Highlights the ability to endure over time, implying a challenge overcome.

are present

Indicates current availability or presence, suitable for tangible items or data.

are available

Focuses on accessibility, appropriate when discussing documents or resources.

are preserved

Highlights the act of maintaining something, often through intentional effort.

are conserved

Similar to "are preserved", but often implies a more active form of protection.

are with us

Informal way to express something still existing, especially relevant to organizations or traditions.

endure

Implies persistence and resilience over a significant period.

FAQs

What does "are extant" mean?

The phrase "are extant" means that something still exists or is in existence. It's often used in academic or formal contexts when referring to historical documents, artifacts, or species that have survived to the present day.

How can I use "are extant" in a sentence?

You can use "are extant" to indicate that something still exists. For example, "Many original manuscripts from the medieval period "still exist"" or "Several species of ancient trees "have survived" to this day".

What can I say instead of "are extant"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""still exist"", ""have survived"", or "are present". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is extant"?

No, the phrase "are extant" is used with plural subjects, while "is extant" is used with singular subjects. For example, "These documents are extant," but "This document is extant."