extant testimony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extant testimony" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to existing evidence or accounts that are still available for consideration, particularly in historical or legal contexts. Example: "The historian relied on extant testimony to reconstruct the events of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Incidentally, the second version copied from the original, rather than direct observation is the only true extant testimony to Hawkwood's appearance.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Because there were only a few extant ancient testimonies, confusion arose as to the precise meaning of man's supreme good.

SEP

An even deeper influence was left by his personal interactions with other scientists, as recorded by numerous testimonies and a vast but never dull extant correspondence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The recent terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia and the continuing attacks on oil infrastructure in Iraq are largely responsible for the extant security premium in crude-oil prices," John Kilduff, an energy analyst at the brokerage firm Fimat USA, said in recent testimony before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

The New Yorker

Extant DVD.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Books I V are extant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Manuel gave similar testimony.

The New Yorker

They coerce false testimony.

The New York Times - Books

Gives Hawley's testimony.

The New Yorker

This is real testimony.

The New York Times

That testimony still stands.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "extant testimony" with "existing evidence" or "surviving accounts" in general and less formal contexts to improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "extant testimony" in everyday conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound pretentious or out of place in casual settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "available evidence" or "current accounts" for better clarity and appropriateness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extant testimony" functions as a noun phrase where "extant" modifies "testimony". It describes evidence or accounts that are currently in existence. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase indicates available records for consideration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extant testimony" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe existing evidence or accounts, primarily in formal and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, but notes its relative infrequency. While alternatives like "existing evidence" or "surviving accounts" might be more suitable for general use, "extant testimony" maintains a specific connotation of historical persistence and is appropriate for specialized discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

existing evidence

Focuses on the fact that evidence currently exists.

current evidence

Emphasizes the evidence available at the present time.

surviving accounts

Highlights the aspect of accounts having endured or persisted over time.

still-present testimony

Highlights the continued presence of the testimony.

available documentation

Emphasizes the accessibility and formal nature of the records.

preserved evidence

Emphasizes that it was evidence protected from destruction.

remaining records

Implies that some records have been lost or destroyed, with only a portion still present.

unlost documents

Emphasizes the completeness of the collection, which hasn't lost or destroyed.

present-day accounts

Highlights the accounts that are in circulation today.

on-hand evidence

It's very similar but refers to documents that you can have.

FAQs

What does "extant testimony" mean?

"Extant testimony" refers to evidence or accounts that still exist or are available. It is often used in historical or legal contexts to describe surviving records or evidence.

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

You can use "extant testimony" in sentences such as: "The historian relied on the "extant testimony" to reconstruct the events of the past." or "The "extant testimony" supports the defendant's claim."

What are some alternatives to "extant testimony"?

Alternatives to "extant testimony" include "existing evidence", "surviving accounts", or "available documentation". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "extant testimony" instead of "existing evidence"?

Use "extant testimony" when you want to emphasize that the evidence has survived over time and is still available. "Existing evidence" is a more general term and can be used in broader contexts without the implication of survival over time.