has been extinct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'has been extinct' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something no longer exists or is no longer active. For example, "The Dodo bird has been extinct since the 17th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Using such techniques, researchers have now resurrected the DNA of the Tasmanian tiger, the world's largest carnivorous marsupial, which has been extinct for more than seventy years.

The New Yorker

As it came from Floreana, it belongs to a species that has been extinct since the middle of the 19th century.

The Guardian

This big, golden butterfly is enjoying a remarkable renaissance and is recolonising many places in the south-east from where it has been extinct for 50 years.

The Guardian

The old modified penguin has been extinct at cutting-edge establishments at least since the 60's, when waiters started wearing love beads.

The New York Times - Food

The Greco-Roman society has been extinct for so long that most of the names of its great men mean little to the average, educated modern person.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The seed came from the Judean date palm, a species that once flourished in the Jordan River Valley and has been extinct for centuries, Ms. Sallon said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Mountain lions have been extinct in New England for decades".

The New Yorker

They've been extinct for millions of years!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And if that wasn't difficult enough, the fish had been extinct for 30 years.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone knows that ordinary wolves have been extinct in Ireland for centuries.

The New York Times - Books

The animals have also recolonised parts of Scandinavia and the UK where they have been extinct for centuries.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been extinct", ensure you provide context about what specifically has become extinct and, if relevant, when or why. For instance, "The Tasmanian tiger has been extinct since the 1930s due to hunting and habitat loss."

Common error

Avoid using "has been extinct" to describe something that is merely endangered or declining. Extinction implies a complete and irreversible disappearance. Instead, use "endangered" or "threatened" for species facing population decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been extinct" functions as a stative verb phrase indicating a completed state of non-existence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It describes a condition that began in the past and continues to be true in the present.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been extinct" is grammatically sound and effectively communicates that something no longer exists. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use. Its occurrence is frequent in News & Media, Encyclopedias, Science and Wiki domains. When using the phrase, ensure context is provided and that it accurately reflects a state of complete disappearance, rather than mere endangerment. Semantically related alternatives include "no longer exists" and "is nonexistent". Keep in mind that while similar phrases exist, "has been extinct" carries a specific connotation of finality and irreversible loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no longer exists

A straightforward and common way to express the idea of extinction, maintaining high similarity.

has died out

Specifically used for species or populations that have become extinct, maintaining high similarity in biological contexts.

has ceased to exist

A more formal and emphatic way of saying something no longer exists.

is now nonexistent

Emphasizes the current state of not existing, differing slightly in formality.

is gone from the earth

Emphasizes the complete disappearance of something from the planet.

is a thing of the past

Indicates something belongs to a previous time and is no longer present, adding a temporal aspect.

is now lost forever

Highlights the permanent and irreversible nature of the loss, adding an emotional tone.

is no more

A concise and somewhat poetic way of saying something has ended or disappeared.

is now defunct

Implies a state of being non-operational or no longer functioning, often used for organizations or systems.

vanished from the scene

Suggests a sudden or mysterious disappearance, adding a sense of drama.

FAQs

How can I use "has been extinct" in a sentence?

You can use "has been extinct" to describe a species, language, tradition, or other entity that no longer exists. For example, "The dodo bird "has been extinct" since the 17th century".

What are some alternatives to saying "has been extinct"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "no longer exists", "is nonexistent", or "is a thing of the past".

Is it correct to say "has gone extinct"?

While "has gone extinct" is understandable, ""has been extinct"" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing.

What's the difference between "endangered" and "has been extinct"?

"Endangered" means a species is at risk of extinction, while ""has been extinct"" means it no longer exists. One describes a potential future state; the other describes a past or present reality.