face extinction

USAGE SUMMARY

"face extinction" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally means to be in danger of disappearing or ceasing to exist. For example, "The species is facing extinction due to destruction of its habitat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

American animals face extinction.

The New Yorker

All may face extinction.

The New York Times

To face extinction: Tigers, within twelve years.

The New Yorker

But they will face extinction sooner than they think.

The Guardian - Opinion

Several have been swallowed by rivals and others face extinction.

The Economist

Now they face extinction as their tribal lands are ripped apart.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Traditional, middle-ranking universities face extinction within the next decade, a leading education expert has said.

The Guardian

"Companies that are not moving in the direction of smartphones face extinction," he said.

The New York Times

"On whose watch did such a creature face extinction?" those future museum visitors might ask.

The Guardian - Opinion

A number of the smaller Uralic language communities, such as Votic, face extinction through cultural assimilation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to International Rivers, an environmental NGO, more than 100 species of fish in the region could face extinction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face extinction" when you want to express that a species, a language, a tradition, or any other entity is in danger of disappearing completely. Ensure the context clearly indicates the factors contributing to this threat.

Common error

Avoid using "face extinction" to describe temporary setbacks or challenges. This phrase should be reserved for situations where the threat is severe and irreversible without significant intervention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face extinction" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes a state of being in danger of disappearing or ceasing to exist. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "face extinction" is a well-established and grammatically sound expression used to describe the serious threat of disappearing or ceasing to exist. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both valid and commonly used. The examples and data show it appearing frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, to warn about the potential loss of species, languages, and other entities. Related phrases like "be on the verge of extinction" and "be threatened with extinction" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the context warrants the severity of the term and accurately reflects the irreversible nature of the threat. Overall, understanding the proper usage and synonyms of "face extinction" can enhance clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be on the verge of extinction

This alternative emphasizes the imminence of extinction, suggesting that it is very close to happening.

be threatened with extinction

This phrase highlights the threat aspect, indicating that external factors are endangering the existence of something.

be in danger of disappearing

This alternative focuses on the outcome of disappearing entirely, rather than the process or cause.

be at risk of dying out

This phrase uses more colloquial language to convey the same meaning of potential extinction, particularly for species.

confront obliteration

This option uses a stronger term, "obliteration", to describe the complete removal or destruction.

approach annihilation

Similar to "obliteration", "annihilation" suggests a total and complete end, but "approach" frames it as a process.

edge towards oblivion

This suggests a gradual decline into a state of being forgotten or unknown, rather than immediate disappearance.

risk obliteration

This alternative phrase shares a similar meaning but utilizes the word 'risk' which implies potential rather than certainty.

come close to dying out

This option describes the status of something near dying out, but not necessarily to extinction.

nearing its end

This alternative is very versatile, the subject might not be a species but a business model for example.

FAQs

How can I use "face extinction" in a sentence about languages?

You can say, "Many indigenous languages "face extinction" due to globalization and the dominance of major languages."

What are some synonyms for "face extinction" in the context of endangered species?

Alternatives include "be on the verge of extinction", "be threatened with extinction", or "be at risk of dying out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to say a company can "face extinction"?

Yes, the phrase can be used metaphorically. For example, "Companies that fail to adapt to technological advancements "face extinction" in today's rapidly evolving market."

What factors typically cause something to "face extinction"?

Common causes include habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, cultural assimilation, and failure to adapt to changing market conditions. The specific cause depends on what is "facing extinction".