in its extant form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in its extant form" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that exists in its current state or version, often in discussions about texts, artifacts, or documents. Example: "The manuscript has undergone several revisions, but we are studying it in its extant form to understand the author's original intent."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Twelve-tone music in its extant form was overrun by "number-fanatics" who engaged in "frenetic arithmetic masturbation".

The New Yorker

In its extant form, the book is a Jewish work, probably of the late 2nd century ad, with Christian interpolations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most of its provisions were not put into effect until much later, and some historians claim that the constitution in its extant form is a later forgery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest written accounts of the East African coast occur in the Periplus Maris Erythraei apparently written by a Greek merchant living in Egypt in the second half of the 1st century ce and in Ptolemy's Guide to Geography, the East African section of which, in its extant form, probably represents a compilation of geographic knowledge available at Byzantium about 400.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The second part documents the site in its extant condition, focusing on its specific landscape characteristics that portray the site's significance as well as its shortcomings.

Cornell University

Moreover, because of the lack of detailed morphological studies in many groups, especially at the microscopic level, even in extant forms it may be difficult to determine whether or not some characters have evolved relatively independently (e.g., U-shaped gut or tentacles).

Plosone

There are five pairs of sub-chelate appendages in stomatopods, the second of the series being the largest (at least in extant forms), while in Thylacocephala the last of three pairs is the largest.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Elucidation of their taxonomic affinity is difficult because Vaucheria-like characteristics have most likely evolved in these extinct Proterozoic lineages independently of those seen in the extant forms of the genus Vaucheria (Xanthophyceae).

Plosone

Experimental studies have shown that members of the archetypal RecA family of recombinases are central to this reaction in all extant forms of life [ 1, 2].

BMC Genomics

Based on univariate and multivariate analyses, the adult !Ncumtsa specimen falls within the range of variation seen in extant forms of Papio, yet is distinct from any living species/subspecies and represents a new taxon, named here as a new subspecies of Papio hamadryas-Papio hamadryas botswanae.

Duke University

Importantly none of the characteristic features of the hemichordate bodyplan can be unambiguously recognized in these fossils, and at this time a position as a stem-group hemichordate (Fig. 6A) cannot be supported, although in terms of extant forms anatomically Phlogites appears to be somewhat closer to a pterobranch-like form.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in its extant form" when discussing historical texts, documents, or artifacts to specify that you are referring to their current, surviving state, which may differ from their original state.

Common error

Avoid using "in its extant form" in informal contexts; simpler phrases like "as it exists now" or "in its current state" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in its extant form" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It specifies the condition or state in which something currently exists, particularly when referring to documents, texts, or artifacts. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

25%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

News & Media

25%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in its extant form" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as validated by Ludwig. It is used to describe something that exists in its current state, often in reference to documents, texts, or artifacts that may have evolved or changed over time. While the phrase isn't common, it is most frequently found in encyclopedias, scientific publications, academic papers and some news sources, indicating a formal and technical register. For less formal situations, consider using alternatives like "in its current state" or "as it exists now". Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's suitability for discussions requiring precision about the current version or condition of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its current state

Focuses on the present condition without necessarily implying a historical evolution.

as it currently exists

Highlights the existing nature of something at the present time.

in its present condition

Emphasizes the existing physical or functional status.

in its actual form

Stresses the genuineness and reality of the current manifestation.

as it stands today

Highlights a temporal aspect, focusing on the situation 'now'.

in its surviving version

Implies that other versions might have existed but are now lost.

in its known state

Suggests that the current understanding might be incomplete.

in the form it now takes

Focuses on the process by which something has arrived at its current configuration.

in its observable form

Emphasizes that the form is able to be perceived or noticed.

as we know it

Indicates a shared or common understanding of the current state.

FAQs

How can I use "in its extant form" in a sentence?

You can use "in its extant form" to describe something that exists in its current state, especially when discussing texts, documents, or artifacts. For example, "The constitution, "in its extant form", may be a later forgery".

What does "in its extant form" mean?

It means something exists in its current or surviving state. It's often used when discussing items that may have changed over time.

Are there simpler alternatives to "in its extant form"?

Yes, alternatives include "in its current state", "as it exists now", or "in its present condition".

When is it appropriate to use "in its extant form"?

It is most appropriate in formal, academic, or historical contexts when precision about the current state of something is needed. It may not be suitable for casual conversation.