extant example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extant example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an existing or currently available example of something, often in academic or formal contexts. Example: "The manuscript serves as an extant example of medieval literature that has survived through the centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The earliest extant example of emaki was painted in 735.

Britannica

It was he who built the Great Mosque of Córdoba, the most spectacular extant example of Muslim Spain's architectural achievements.

The New Yorker

The oldest extant example of the Early Hebrew ABCs is the 8th 7th-century-bce schoolboy graffito mentioned above.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kiesler's preoccupation with large, mythical themes reached a climax with the one extant example of his built work, the Shrine of the Book.

The New York Times - Arts

The ruined palace of Ardashīr I in the town is the oldest extant example of Sāsānian architecture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A fine extant example of such use is found at the Roman Temple of Diana at Nîmes, France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"This bed stands apart from most extant examples in its grandeur, historical importance and decoration," Marcus Flacks said.

The New York Times - Arts

The earliest extant examples are those composed by Gautier de Dargies in the 13th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest extant examples of Javanese literature date from the 9th or 10th century ce.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Preserved in the library of Trinity College, Dublin, it is one of the finest extant examples of Hiberno-Saxon manuscript art.

Britannica

The major extant examples of early painting anywhere in the world are found in western Europe and the Soviet Union.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extant example", ensure it clearly links to a specific instance, rather than a general concept.

Common error

Avoid using "extant example" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound pretentious. Opt for simpler terms like "existing example" or "current case".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extant example" functions as a noun phrase, where 'extant' modifies 'example'. It identifies a specific instance of something that still exists, often with a connotation of historical significance or rarity, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

25%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

14%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extant example" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, particularly in formal and academic writing. As Ludwig confirms, it refers to an existing instance of something, often carrying a connotation of historical significance or rarity. While "extant example" is appropriate for contexts needing precision, simpler alternatives like "existing instance" may be more suitable for casual conversation. Knowing when and how to correctly use "extant example" ensures clarity and sophistication in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

existing instance

Replaces "extant" with a more common synonym, reducing formality.

surviving case

Focuses on the aspect of survival, implying a challenge overcome.

remaining specimen

Suitable for scientific or archival contexts, emphasizing uniqueness.

present-day illustration

Highlights that the example is currently observable.

current manifestation

More abstract, suitable when referring to a concept or phenomenon.

known occurrence

Emphasizes the awareness and documentation of the example.

available model

Implies that the example can be studied or replicated.

tangible artifact

Highlights the physical and historical nature of the example.

documented phenomenon

Suitable for academic contexts, highlighting research and evidence.

living vestige

More poetic, suitable when referring to something from the past.

FAQs

How can I use "extant example" in a sentence?

You can use "extant example" to refer to a surviving or existing instance of something, as in, "The Roman Temple of Diana at Nîmes, France, is a fine "extant example" of Roman architecture".

What are some alternatives to "extant example"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "existing instance", "surviving case", or "remaining specimen". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. See the "existing instance", "surviving case", or "remaining specimen" examples.

Is it appropriate to use "extant example" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "extant example" is generally more suited for formal or academic writing. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "existing example" or "current case" may be more appropriate.

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

"Extant example" implies a sense of historical survival or a limited number of instances, while "existing example" is a more general term for something that currently exists. Extant adds a layer of historical significance or rarity that existing does not.