became extinct

USAGE SUMMARY

"became extinct" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the process of a species, organism, or habit becoming completely gone or no longer existing. Example: The dodo bird became extinct in the 17th century due to human hunting and the introduction of non-native species to its habitat.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many lineages became extinct.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His marquessate became extinct.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If not, they became extinct.

Britannica

The group became extinct in 1795.

Columbia University

Eventually, in 1979, it became extinct.

The Guardian - Opinion

Would it matter if tigers became extinct?

The Guardian

Dinosaurs became extinct because they were vegetarians.

The New Yorker

About 70 percent of terrestrial species became extinct.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Milner's viscountcy became extinct upon his death without an heir.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dukedom of the first creation became extinct.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cardwell died without surviving issue, and his peerage became extinct.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about extinction, consider using specific examples to illustrate the impact. For instance, instead of simply stating "many species became extinct", mention "the Tasmanian tiger became extinct in the 1930s".

Common error

Avoid using "extinct" as a noun. It is an adjective. Instead of saying "the extinct of dinosaurs", say "the extinction of dinosaurs" or "dinosaurs became extinct".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became extinct" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a completed action or a state change. It describes the process by which a species, lineage, or other entity ceases to exist. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing the disappearance of species, titles, and even possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

39%

News & Media

37%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became extinct" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the cessation of existence for a species, lineage, or other entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. As highlighted by Ludwig's examples, the phrase appears frequently in encyclopedias, news articles, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "died out" or "vanished" exist, "became extinct" often conveys a more formal or definitive tone. The phrase's prevalence underscores its importance in discussions of natural history, conservation, and loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

died out

This is a more informal way of saying that something no longer exists, often referring to species or populations.

vanished

This suggests a sudden or mysterious disappearance, applicable to both species and abstract concepts.

ceased to exist

A formal and general way to indicate the end of something's existence.

no longer exists

A straightforward and neutral way to express that something has come to an end.

became non-existent

Emphasizes the state of not existing, often used for abstract or conceptual things.

was wiped out

Suggests a more forceful or complete removal, often used for populations or species.

suffered extinction

A more scientific or formal way to describe the process of extinction.

passed into extinction

A more descriptive or literary way of saying something became extinct.

faded into oblivion

This suggests a gradual disappearance from memory or knowledge.

was exterminated

Indicates intentional and complete removal, usually by humans.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "became extinct"?

When something "became extinct", it means it has ceased to exist entirely, with no remaining living members or examples.

What are some reasons why species "became extinct"?

Species "became extinct" due to various factors, including habitat loss, climate change, over-hunting, and disease. The example from Ludwig shows "The Arabian oryx "became extinct" in the wild in 1972" due to these factors.

Which is correct, "became extinct" or "went extinct"?

"Became extinct" and "went extinct" are both grammatically correct and commonly used phrases. "Became extinct" is slightly more formal, while "went extinct" is more conversational.

What can I say instead of "became extinct"?

You can use alternatives like "died out", "vanished", or "ceased to exist" depending on the context.