the remnants of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the remnants of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to leftover or remaining parts of something. Example: After the fire, all that was left of the building were the remnants of the walls and a few charred pieces of furniture.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The remnants of its squad limped through.

The New York Times - Sports

He knocked out the remnants of Mike Tyson.

The Guardian - Sport

The remnants of those times are still here.

The Guardian

Nagl had found the remnants of the electrical detonator.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'd search my memory for the remnants of dreams.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some people were still rocking the remnants of Mod fashion.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Nearby stood the remnants of a United Nations ferry.

The New York Times

Children use the remnants of collapsed buildings as playgrounds.

The New York Times

The remnants of Lyons predeceased him in 1998.

The New York Times - Tech

The remnants of one building are still visible today.

The New York Times

Or are these the remnants of your own youth?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the remnants of", ensure you clearly specify what the remnants are from to provide context and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "remnant" in plural form when referring to a singular, collective entity. "Remnants" correctly indicates multiple remaining parts, whereas "the remnant of" should be used if you are only talking about one thing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the remnants of" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is used to identify and describe the remaining parts or traces of something that has been destroyed, used up, or otherwise diminished. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

26%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the remnants of" is a noun phrase used to describe the remaining parts or traces of something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, primarily in News & Media and Wiki contexts. It generally maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify what the remnants are from to provide clarity. Avoid incorrectly pluralizing it when referring to a singular entity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the remains of

This alternative is very similar, simply substituting "remnants" with "remains", indicating what is left after something has been destroyed or has disappeared.

the vestiges of

This alternative implies a trace or sign of something that no longer exists.

the vestiges remaining from

This alternative clarifies that what is left is still present and continuing from what once was.

the traces of

This option emphasizes the marks or indications left behind by something.

the fragments of

This indicates small parts broken or separated from something.

the leftovers of

This refers to the parts that are not used or consumed, particularly in the context of food or materials.

the residues of

This term refers to what remains after a process or event.

the debris of

This refers to scattered pieces of waste or remains, typically after destruction.

the relics of

This suggests items of historical or sentimental interest that have survived from an earlier time.

the surviving elements of

This emphasizes that these parts have endured and are still in existence.

FAQs

How can I use "the remnants of" in a sentence?

You can use "the remnants of" to describe what remains after something has been destroyed, used, or has disappeared. For example, "The museum displayed the remnants of the ancient civilization".

What are some alternatives to using "the remnants of"?

You can use alternatives like "the remains of", "the vestiges of", or "the traces of" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "the remnants of" and "the remains of"?

While both phrases are similar, "the remnants of" might suggest smaller, less significant parts left over, while "the remains of" can refer to more substantial or complete portions.

Can "the remnants of" be used in a positive context?

Yes, although it often appears in contexts involving loss or destruction, "the remnants of" can also describe cherished or historically significant items that have survived. For example, "the remnants of a bygone era".