the two surviving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the two surviving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two individuals or entities that remain after a selection or event, often in contexts involving loss or elimination. Example: "Of the five original candidates, only the two surviving were invited to the final interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The two surviving victims were taken to a hospital.

The New York Times

On the south side are the two surviving Coar brownstones.

The New York Times

The two surviving gunmen were holed up in a room upstairs.

The Guardian

The two surviving brothers try to outrun their fate but, finally, they can imagine no other.

The New Yorker

One of the two surviving employees, Patrick Castro, called the police from inside the restaurant.

The New York Times

On May 31st the government announced that the two surviving officials had been sacked.

The Economist

Not so, say the two surviving members of the flight crew.

The New York Times - Science

The two surviving members of the family never talked about what happened, he says.

Independent

The two surviving members of Nirvana reunited to sing with Paul McCartney.

The New York Times

First Najin and Fatu, the two surviving females, will be treated with hormones and then their eggs will be extracted.

The Guardian

One of the two surviving talaiots here was used in 1782, when the Spanish troops besieged the occupying British army.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the two surviving", ensure the context clearly indicates what they are surviving from. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the two surviving" when referring to items that are simply remaining, rather than having overcome a specific threat or challenge. "The two remaining" is more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the two surviving" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, specifying a quantity and condition. It identifies two entities that have remained extant after a selective event, such as a disaster or competition. Ludwig indicates it's a valid and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Arts

3%

Travel

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the two surviving" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a pair that has outlasted or overcome a specific challenge. Ludwig confirms its validity for use in written English. Predominantly found in news, media and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. While interchangeable alternatives exist, it's essential to ensure the context accurately reflects a genuine act of survival, rather than simple remaining. The term is very frequent according to Ludwig analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the remaining pair

Focuses on the act of remaining rather than survival after a specific event.

the only two left

Highlights the exclusivity of the remaining pair, useful when emphasizing scarcity.

the last two standing

Emphasizes resilience and endurance, suitable in contexts of competition or adversity.

the pair who lived

Directly indicates survival, best used when the primary focus is on avoiding death or destruction.

the final duo

More formal, emphasizing the completion of a selection process or event.

the two who endured

Highlights the ability to withstand hardship and continue existing.

the two that persisted

Emphasizes continued existence or effort in the face of challenges.

the twin survivors

Emphasizes both the pairing and the act of surviving, creating a compound focus.

the two unaffected

Highlights being untouched by a negative event.

the two extant

A more formal or scientific term meaning still in existence.

FAQs

How can I use "the two surviving" in a sentence?

Use "the two surviving" to refer to a pair that has outlived or overcome a specific event or challenge. For example, "the two surviving members of the band reunited for a concert."

What can I say instead of "the two surviving"?

You can use alternatives like "the remaining pair", "the only two left", or "the last two standing" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "the two surviving" or "the two survivor"?

"The two surviving" is correct. "Surviving" acts as an adjective describing what the two are doing or have done. "Survivor" is a noun and would need a different sentence structure.

Is "the two surviving" formal or informal?

"The two surviving" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the surrounding language and choose a more formal or informal phrase if appropriate.