extant documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extant documents" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to documents that currently exist or are still in existence, often in historical or archival contexts. Example: "The historian was thrilled to discover several extant documents from the 18th century that shed light on the period."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He apparently fathered two legitimate sons, but extant documents make no mention of a wife.

The New Yorker

Extant documents that merely mentioned their presence or communicated (often indirectly) their thoughts were precious.

University of California, Berkeley

Extant documents in Ugaritic are written on clay tablets with a wedge-shaped stylus and date from the 15th 14th century bc.

Britannica

Along with the Sefer Ḥasidim (1538; "Book of the Pious"), of which he was a coauthor, his voluminous works are the major extant documents of medieval German Ḥasidism (an ultrapious sect that stressed prayer and mysticism).

Britannica

After the 7th century bc, however, when the Demotic language (the popular form of the written language) came into use, many legal transactions required written deeds or contracts instead of the traditional oral agreement; and these extant documents have been studied for what they reveal of the law of ancient Egypt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The two extant documents disclose traces of the struggle between two political principles: the principle of absolute hereditary monarchy, as expressed in the so-called coronation act, and the constitutional elective kingship preferred by some nobles, as expressed in the so-called union act.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

No extant document records the closing of the council, which moved to Rome in September 1443.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Proverbs is probably the oldest extant document of the Hebrew wisdom movement, of which King Solomon was the founder and patron.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was also the principal author of the ethical treatise Sefer Ḥasidim (published in Bologna, 1538; "Book of the Pious"), possibly the most important extant document of medieval Judaism and a major work of Jewish literature.

Britannica

The history of Mesopotamian and Egyptian mathematics is based on the extant original documents written by scribes.

Britannica

Extant Egyptian documents provide valuable information about Palestine in the period of the Egyptian 12th dynasty (1938 1756 bce) and argue for significant Egyptian interest and influence in Palestine at this time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical or legal matters, use "extant documents" to convey the sense that the records are not only existing but also historically significant and possibly rare. This adds a layer of scholarly precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "extant documents" in everyday conversation or informal writing. It's a term best reserved for academic, historical, or formal contexts where its specific meaning and formality are appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extant documents" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to documents that are currently in existence, often with a historical or scholarly significance. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

Academia

27%

News & Media

23%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extant documents" is a noun phrase used to describe documents that are currently in existence, often with a historical or scholarly significance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate, it is best used in formal contexts such as academic research, historical analysis, or legal documentation. The most common sources include encyclopedias, academic papers, and news media. Alternatives include "existing documents" and "surviving records", but "extant documents" carries a more specific and formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surviving records

Emphasizes the survival of documents over time, highlighting their endurance.

existing documents

Focuses on the present existence of the documents, a more direct and common alternative.

available records

Highlights the accessibility of the documents for research or review.

preserved documents

Stresses the act of preservation that has allowed the documents to remain accessible.

remaining documents

Implies that some documents have been lost or destroyed, while others still exist.

archived documents

Specifies that the documents are stored in an archive, indicating a formal preservation process.

current documents

Refers to documents that are presently in use or relevant.

unlost documents

A less common way of saying documents that have not been lost or destroyed.

historical records

Focuses on the historical aspect of the documents.

original documents

Highlights that these are the primary or first versions, which may or may not still be available.

FAQs

How to use "extant documents" in a sentence?

You can use "extant documents" to refer to records that still exist, such as "The historian examined the "extant documents" from the medieval period to understand the social structure of the time."

What can I say instead of "extant documents"?

You can use alternatives like "existing documents", "surviving records", or "available records" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "extant documents" or "extent documents"?

"Extant documents" is correct. "Extent" refers to the size or scope of something, while "extant" means still in existence.

What's the difference between "extant documents" and "historical records"?

"Extant documents" specifically refers to documents that have survived to the present day. "Historical records" is a broader term that encompasses any records related to the past, whether or not they still exist.