extant

USAGE SUMMARY

"extant" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is still in existence or still available. For example: "The original painting is still extant and can be found in the museum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A force of 12,000 policemen stormed the colony and evacuated the 70,000 residents overnight to a swampy area four kilometres away (that turned into another, still extant, slum called Cheetah Camp).

The Guardian

Will you still be able to access shows for free (as with Vikings) or will Amazon quietly drop the streaming and nudge you towards buying the Blu-ray (as it's done with sci-fi show Extant)?

The Guardian

When you examine their internal documentation, marketing materials and extant interventions, it becomes evident there is a pronounced way of thinking about the civic that is bound up in all of them, with rather grim implications for the politics of participation.

The Guardian

Any extant fines were imposed on people outside the community.

The Guardian

Only four extant copies remain from an unknown original number that were written out by clerks and sent around Britain in 1215.

The Economist

A network can only push out so much data at any given time and operators expend substantial effort to ensure that no subscriber is entirely cut out by pinching bandwidth from extant connections, slowing them down.

The Economist

The other extant EDITION opened in Istanbul two years ago, though the very first actually opened in Hawaii in 2010, then closed the following year after the owners decided to install a different management company.

The Economist

The abstract to a 2002 paper on the question, by Scott Frame and Lawrence White reads:This paper reviews the extant empirical studies of financial innovation.

The Economist

Yet, largely on the basis of named crop varieties that are no longer extant, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that 75% of crop biodiversity has been lost from the world's fields.

The Economist

But by putting a definite number on the targets under consideration and speaking of an extant list, he makes IAG's plans sound nicely cogent, starts a guessing game in the watching airline world, and earns a front-page slot in the Financial Times.

The Economist

Apple is far more consistent now than two years ago, but it is still impossible to know in advance whether a newly created iPhone app mixes and matches Apple features or extant third-party programs in admissible ways.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extant" primarily in formal writing contexts where a precise and somewhat elevated tone is appropriate. For example, when discussing historical documents, scientific findings, or established systems.

Common error

Avoid using "extant" when you mean "extent". "Extent" refers to the range, size, or degree of something, while "extant" describes something still in existence. Using "extant" incorrectly can lead to confusion and weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "extant" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are currently in existence. Ludwig provides numerous examples, such as "extant copies" and "extant forests", illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extant" functions as an adjective denoting that something is still in existence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for formal contexts. While synonyms like "still existing" and "remaining" exist, "extant" carries a slightly more formal tone. It's crucial to avoid confusing it with "extent". Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, "extant" serves to precisely describe the current state of entities, often implying survival over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still existing

This phrase directly emphasizes the continuous existence of something.

existent

A formal synonym emphasizing the state of existence.

remaining

Focuses on the portion that continues to exist after others have ceased.

in existence

A more general term emphasizing the state of being present.

surviving

Implies overcoming a threat or challenge to continue existing.

persisting

Highlights the continuation of something despite potential obstacles.

present

Highlights the current presence of something, often in a specific location or context.

enduring

Emphasizes the lasting quality of something over time.

in effect

Indicates that something is currently operational or valid.

operative

Similar to "in effect", suggesting that something is functioning.

FAQs

How do I use "extant" in a sentence?

"Extant" is used to describe something that still exists. For example, "Only four "extant copies" of the original document remain."

What can I say instead of "extant"?

You can use alternatives like "still existing", "remaining", or "in existence" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "extant" or "extinct"?

"Extant" and "extinct" are antonyms. "Extant" means still existing, while "extinct" means no longer in existence. Therefore, the correct word depends on whether you are describing something that exists or something that has died out.

What's the difference between "extant" and "existing"?

While both "extant" and "existing" describe something that is currently real, "extant" often implies a sense of survival or persistence over time, making it a slightly more formal and specific choice. "Existing" is a more general term.