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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is extinct
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "is extinct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a species or a phenomenon that no longer exists. Example: "The dodo bird is extinct, having disappeared from the earth in the late 17th century."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
By Corollary 3.2, species 1 is extinct with zero exponential extinction rate and species 2 is exponentially extinct.
Such commercial extinction does not mean that the species is extinct, merely that it can no longer sustain a fishery.
Wiki
For endangered species, translocation is often considered essential to restore genetic diversity of highly isolated populations threatened with extinction and in areas where the species is extinct [ 6].
Science
The airbrush is extinct.
News & Media
Now, communism, he thinks, is extinct.
News & Media
No wonder the verb "to hull" is extinct.
News & Media
The Syrian wild ass (E. hemionus hemippus) is extinct.
Encyclopedias
What is the difference between a volcano that is dormant and one that is extinct?
News & Media
The bird, which is extinct, lived only in Florida, not in New Jersey.
News & Media
"If beluga is extinct, something should be done," Mr. Ripert added.
News & Media
Already, the western black rhino is extinct (the declaration was made in 2011).
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing about endangered species, use "is extinct" to clearly and definitively state that a species no longer exists. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in scientific or conservation contexts.
Common error
Avoid using "is extinct" when you mean "is endangered" or "is critically endangered". Extinction means the species no longer exists anywhere, while endangerment means it is at risk of extinction.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "is extinct" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun (usually a species, but can be applied more broadly) as no longer existing. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.
Frequent in
Science
34%
News & Media
32%
Encyclopedias
17%
Less common in
Wiki
12%
Formal & Business
2%
Reference
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "is extinct" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that something no longer exists. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, signifying the cessation of species, practices, or phenomena. While neutral in register, it leans towards formality, fitting both scientific reports and general news articles. When using "is extinct", ensure you're accurately conveying complete non-existence rather than endangerment, and consider the formality of your context to maintain appropriate tone.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
no longer exists
Focuses on the absence of existence rather than the process of becoming extinct.
is no longer in existence
Formal restatement of the basic meaning.
has died out
Specifically implies a gradual disappearance, particularly for living organisms.
is no more
A more general and sometimes metaphorical way of stating something has ceased to exist.
is gone forever
Emphasizes the permanence of the disappearance.
has been wiped out
Suggests a forceful or complete removal.
vanished from the earth
Highlights the complete and utter disappearance, especially for species.
has ceased to exist
A more formal and emphatic way of saying something no longer exists.
is a thing of the past
Implies obsolescence and being outdated, not necessarily complete disappearance.
is lost forever
Similar to 'is gone forever' but can also apply to abstract concepts.
FAQs
How can I use "is extinct" in a sentence?
You can use "is extinct" to describe anything that no longer exists, such as "The dodo bird "is extinct"" or "That fashion trend "is extinct"".
What's a formal alternative to "is extinct"?
A more formal alternative to "is extinct" is "is no longer in existence". This phrase is suitable for academic or professional writing.
Is it appropriate to use "is extinct" metaphorically?
Yes, "is extinct" can be used metaphorically to describe something that has disappeared or is no longer relevant, such as "That type of customer service "is extinct"".
What is the difference between "is extinct" and "is endangered"?
"Is extinct" means that something no longer exists, while "is endangered" means that something is at risk of becoming extinct. They have very different meanings and should not be confused.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested