extant building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extant building" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a building that currently exists, especially in discussions about historical architecture or preservation. Example: "The city is proud to have several extant buildings from the 19th century that showcase its rich architectural heritage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

An extant building served as bin Laden's house.

The New Yorker

Fires periodically swept the town, and the oldest extant building dates from 1840 (though some water cisterns are older).

Britannica

La Fenice, the splendid old theatre of Venice, had to be rebuilt after a notorious act of arson destroyed the extant building in 1996.

The New Yorker

But that hulking structure was once the Broadway Auditorium, and it may be the world's oldest extant building to have hosted hockey.

The New York Times

Highlights of the July tour of the East Village are Colonnade Row on Lafayette Street, a series of Greek Revival town houses linked by a Corinthian colonnade, and Cooper Union, the nation's oldest extant building framed with steel beams.

The New York Times

During the period of Lutheran ownership the only now extant building, a c. 1890 print shop, was built on the land; the buildings associated with the Transcendentalists, most recently the Margaret Fuller Cottage, had burned down by the 1980s.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

His Kuwait embassy in Tokyo might have been assembled from several vaguely similar extant buildings, while the Shizuoka press centre is all cages attached to a stout pole.

The Guardian - Arts

Examples of extant buildings from the City Beautiful period are Union Station in Washington, D.C., the Field Museum in Chicago, and the Boston Public Library in Boston.

Britannica

The region was of strategic importance during colonial times; Old Fort Niagara (extant buildings dating from 1725 26) was alternately controlled by the French, British, and American armies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

New Haven is home of two extant buildings by Roche, the Richard C. Lee High School (1962 67) and the Knights of Columbus Headquarters (1965 69).

Yale University

The museum is located in the former Peenemünde power plant, one of the few extant buildings of the huge compound, which was bombed by the Allies in 1943 and destroyed by the Soviets after the war.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extant building" when you want to emphasize the survival of a structure, especially in historical or architectural contexts. This term often implies that other similar buildings no longer exist.

Common error

Avoid using "extant building" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "existing building" or "standing building" in everyday contexts where formality is not required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extant building" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "extant" modifies the noun "building". It is commonly used to describe a building that is still in existence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extant building" is a phrase used to describe a building that still exists, particularly in contexts where its survival is noteworthy. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is correct and appropriate for formal settings. While the phrase is not very common, it effectively conveys the idea of a building that has endured, often implying historical or architectural significance. Simpler alternatives like "existing building" or ""surviving building"" may be more suitable for informal contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki, suggesting its use in more informative and descriptive writing rather than casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

existing structure

This is a more common and straightforward alternative, focusing on the present existence of the structure.

standing building

This phrase emphasizes the building's physical presence and upright condition.

surviving building

Highlights the building's ability to have lasted over time, often implying historical significance.

remaining edifice

More formal and emphasizes the grandeur or historical importance of the building.

preserved structure

This suggests intentional efforts to maintain the building's condition.

unrazed building

Focuses on the fact that the building has not been demolished.

intact building

Emphasizes that the building is complete and undamaged.

current building

Simple and direct, indicating the building that exists at the present time.

present-day structure

Similar to "current building", emphasizing its existence in the present.

existing construction

A broader term that encompasses any type of building that is currently present.

FAQs

How do I use "extant building" in a sentence?

The phrase "extant building" is typically used to describe a building that still exists, especially when others of its kind have been destroyed or no longer exist. For example: "The oldest "surviving building" in the town is the old church."

What is a good alternative to "extant building"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "existing structure", "standing building", or ""surviving building"". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "extant building"?

It's best to use "extant building" in formal writing or when discussing historical architecture or preservation efforts. In casual conversation, simpler terms are usually more appropriate.

What does "extant" mean in the context of "extant building"?

In this context, "extant" means still in existence or surviving. It emphasizes that the building has endured and continues to exist.