to be extant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be extant" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is still in existence or currently available, often in the context of historical documents or artifacts. Example: "Only a few manuscripts are known to be extant from that period, providing valuable insights into the culture of the time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

And: I would like to be extant in another version.

The Guardian - Books

No draft of the Address is known to be extant.

Columbia University

Amongst these titles, only the documentary film Brides of the Frontier (1943) is known to be extant.

Columbia University

Many of the episodes happened too long ago for there to be extant witnesses to what, in any case, probably happened in private.

Independent

The New Yorker, April 8 , 1950 P. 23According to an A.P. dispatch from Lafayette, La., one of the 36 whooping cranes known to be extant was recently spotted in that vicinity by some conservationists.

The New Yorker

Karenne's activity behind the camera as director, scriptwriter, and producer is very interesting, even though none of the films where she worked in these roles seem to be extant.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Only books i iv, part of book v, most of book vi (treating the years 14 29 and 31 37 under Tiberius), and books xi xvi, incomplete (on Claudius from 47 to 51 and Nero from 51 to 66), are extant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A letter of Fronto to Antoninus is extant asking the appointment of his friend Appian as procurator, not to gratify his ambition, or for the sake of the pay, but as a merited distinction in his old age.

University of Chicago

He appears to have written less voluminously than other leading Stoics, and none of the five treatises attributed to him is extant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The original manuscript of the Hexapla is known to have been extant as late as about 600 ce.

Britannica

The Tolkāppiyam was ascribed to the second śaṅgam, the eight anthologies and 10 long poems to the third; according to tradition, nothing is extant from the first śaṅgam.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be extant" in formal writing, particularly when discussing historical documents, species, or artifacts where precise language is valued. For example, "Several original manuscripts are known "to be extant", providing valuable insights."

Common error

Avoid using "to be extant" in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it can sound pretentious. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "still exists" or "is available".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be extant" functions as an infinitive phrase often used as part of a larger verb phrase. It indicates the state of existence of something. As Ludwig AI explains, it is typically used to refer to something that is still in existence or currently available.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

News & Media

19%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be extant" is a grammatically correct and useful expression primarily in formal and academic writing. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates the continued existence of something, especially in historical or scientific contexts. While "to be extant" is valuable for precise communication, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly formal in casual settings. Alternatives like "still exists" or "is available" are often more appropriate for everyday use. Given its usage patterns across academia, science, and news media, understanding when and how to employ "to be extant" can enhance the clarity and sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to still exist

Replaces "extant" with a more common synonym and simplifies the structure.

to remain in existence

Emphasizes the continuation of existence over time.

to be in existence

A more direct and common way to express the idea of existence.

to survive to the present

Highlights the survival aspect, particularly useful when discussing historical items.

to be currently available

Focuses on the present availability of something.

to be preserved

Suggests that effort has been made to maintain the existence of something.

to be in circulation

Implies something is actively used or known.

to endure

Highlights the lasting quality of something.

to be conserved

Focuses on preservation efforts, often in a cultural or environmental context.

to be with us today

A more informal way of saying something still exists.

FAQs

What does "to be extant" mean?

The phrase "to be extant" means to still exist or be in existence. It's often used in formal contexts, particularly when discussing historical documents, species, or works of art.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to be extant"?

It is appropriate to use "to be extant" in formal, academic, or scientific writing when you want to emphasize that something still exists, especially after a long period or when its existence might be in doubt. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives are generally preferred.

What are some alternatives to "to be extant"?

Alternatives to "to be extant" include "to still exist", "to remain in existence", "to be in existence", or "to survive to the present". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How can I use "to be extant" in a sentence?

You can use "to be extant" in a sentence like this: "Only a few copies of the original manuscript are known "to be extant"." This indicates that only a small number of original manuscripts have survived to the present day.