close to extinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to extinction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a species that has become perilously rare and is in danger of becoming extinct. Example: The Siberian tiger is close to extinction due to habitat loss and poaching.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This includes only those species that are extinct or very close to extinction.

Plosone

Wild tigers are close to extinction in Vietnam and possibly already extinct in Laos.

The Guardian

I predicted that narwhals and bowheads would likely go extinct by 2072 or be close to extinction.

Princeton University

Are astronauts close to extinction?

MIT Technology Review

College, he says, is close to extinction.

Stanford University

That tradition, however, is perilously close to extinction.

Yale University

The country teeters dangerously close to extinction by absorption.

The New York Times - Books

"Eagles were so close to extinction," Ms. McKean said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Eric Abetz, one of the Senate's great dinosaurs, was letting out his close-to-extinction howl.

The Guardian - Opinion

The almost defenseless bilby is close to extinction as it is easy prey for Australia's huge population of feral cats.

The New York Times - Travel

The country's complex political and social history, however, brought most of these forms close to extinction by the 1950s.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "close to extinction", specify the factors contributing to the species' decline, such as habitat loss, poaching, or climate change to provide context and highlight the urgency of conservation efforts.

Common error

Avoid using "close to extinction" interchangeably with "extinct". The former indicates a species still exists but is severely endangered, whereas the latter means the species is no longer present on Earth. Be precise with your language to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to extinction" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (typically a species or population), describing its state of being severely endangered. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across diverse contexts, validating its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to extinction" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a species facing a very high risk of disappearing completely. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous real-world examples across various domains, including news, science, and academia. To enhance your writing, consider specifying the contributing factors when using the phrase and avoid confusing it with "extinct". Alternatives such as "on the brink of extinction" or "critically endangered" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. This phrase serves to highlight the urgency of conservation efforts and is a crucial part of discussions about biodiversity and environmental protection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the brink of extinction

Emphasizes the precariousness and nearness to the point of no return.

nearly extinct

Directly states the reduced population size and high likelihood of extinction.

almost extinct

Similar to nearly extinct, implying a very small remaining population.

critically endangered

A more technical term indicating the highest risk category before extinction.

perilously endangered

Emphasizes the high level of risk and vulnerability.

facing extinction

Highlights the active threat and challenges leading towards potential extinction.

in danger of extinction

A general term highlighting the potential for extinction without intervention.

on the verge of disappearing

Focuses on the diminishing presence and impending disappearance.

sliding toward extinction

Indicates a continuing decline and movement towards extinction.

threatened with extinction

Indicates a future possibility if current negative trends continue.

FAQs

What does it mean when a species is described as "close to extinction"?

When a species is described as "close to extinction", it means that its population has declined drastically and it is at a very high risk of becoming extinct in the near future. Conservation efforts are often critical at this stage.

What are some factors that can lead a species to become "close to extinction"?

Various factors can contribute, including habitat destruction, climate change, overhunting, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. These factors reduce the population size and genetic diversity, making the species more vulnerable.

What are some alternative phrases to "close to extinction"?

You can use alternatives like "on the brink of extinction", "critically endangered", or "nearly extinct" to convey a similar meaning.

How can I help prevent species from becoming "close to extinction"?

Support conservation organizations, advocate for stronger environmental protections, reduce your carbon footprint, avoid purchasing products that contribute to habitat destruction, and educate others about the importance of biodiversity.