extinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the end of a species or the process of becoming extinct. Example: "The extinction of the passenger pigeon serves as a cautionary tale for conservation efforts today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many, like Edward O. Wilson, will worry about species that face extinction; but one extinct creature, the Pyrenean ibex, may actually be revived.

The Economist

"No new hen harriers this season means that the hen harrier is on the brink of extinction in England," said RSPB spokesman Graham Madge.

The Guardian

"No other British bird has come so close to the brink of extinction before defying all the odds to flourish in our modern landscape.

The Guardian

A totemic symbol for neolithic people who buried their dead with white-tailed eagles on Orkney, it was all too easily trapped, poisoned and shot to extinction, the last bird killed in 1918.

The Guardian

As Howe said on Monday, this is for all those fans who put their hands in their pockets time and again to keep the club alive – fans like my dad, who gave £1,000 from his savings when we were minutes from extinction in 1997 – knowing they would probably never get it back.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our synthesis of the best of the red and the green integrates policies for social justice and human rights with policies for tackling the life-threatening dangers posed by global warming, environmental pollution, resource depletion and species extinction.

The Guardian - Opinion

We no more believe that the state is always benign than we believe in the extinction, or even the regulation, of a majority of markets.

The Guardian - Opinion

They have gone close to falling out of the Football League, were straitjacketed by a transfer embargo for more than a year and have stared extinction in the face.

The Guardian - Sport

Dinosaurs embody the drastic changes that life on Earth has undergone, and give us access to some of the most powerful truths our species has come to understand – that our planet has an incredibly deep history, that life has changed constantly through time, and that extinction is the fate of all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Will it be in any mood to persist with the Tory contaminant and to court extinction?

The Guardian - Opinion

If it doesn't, it risks being actively complicit in the extinction of this wild and beautiful Scottish beast.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "extinction", provide specific examples to illustrate the severity and impact of the phenomenon. For instance, mention specific endangered species or historical extinction events to add weight to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "endangered" and "extinction" interchangeably. "Endangered" means a species is at risk of extinction, while "extinction" means the species no longer exists. Be precise to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "extinction" is that of a noun. It typically refers to the state or process of a species, family, or other group of animals or plants becoming extinct. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable term in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "extinction" is a noun frequently used to describe the complete disappearance of a species, carrying significant weight in discussions about biodiversity and environmental conservation. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. Given its prevalent use in news, science, and formal contexts, understanding the nuances of "extinction" is crucial. While alternatives like "demise" or "eradication" exist, using "extinction" correctly ensures clarity. Remembering that "endangered" signifies a risk of extinction, not its actuality, is key to avoiding common errors. When incorporating the term "extinction" into writing, providing clear examples and context can amplify the message's impact, potentially prompting action towards conservation efforts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

species annihilation

Focuses specifically on the complete destruction of a species.

species eradication

Emphasizes the act of completely removing a species, often through deliberate action.

demise of a species

Highlights the end or failure of a species' existence.

vanishing species

Focuses on the gradual disappearance of a species.

species loss

Directly refers to the reduction or disappearance of species.

being on the brink of extinction

Indicates that a species is very close to extinction.

facing extinction

Highlights the threat of extinction that a species is currently experiencing.

near extinction

Indicates a species is close to becoming extinct.

species collapse

Emphasizes the sudden failure or breakdown of a species' population.

irreversible disappearance

Highlights the permanent nature of the loss.

FAQs

How is the term "extinction" typically used in a sentence?

The term "extinction" is often used to describe the complete disappearance of a species, as in: "The dodo's extinction is a classic example of human impact on wildlife."

What are some alternatives to the word "extinction"?

Alternatives to "extinction" include "demise", "eradication", or "annihilation", depending on the specific context.

What factors commonly lead to "extinction"?

Common factors leading to "extinction" include habitat loss, climate change, overexploitation, and invasive species.

What is the difference between "endangered" and "extinction"?

"Endangered" refers to a species at risk of becoming extinct, while "extinction" signifies that the species no longer exists. A species can be "endangered" but not yet extinct.