what survives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what survives" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing what remains or endures after a particular event or process. For example, "In the aftermath of the storm, we must assess what survives." Alternative expressions include "what remains" and "what endures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And what survives?

The Guardian

What survives of the First Emperor?

The Guardian - Arts

"What lasts, what changes, what survives?

The Guardian - Books

So, today, what survives of the Chicago School?

The New Yorker

So what survives the devastation of this film?

The New Yorker

What survives from that overspill is entirely unpredictable.

The Guardian - Music

"Education," B. F. Skinner said, "is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten".

The New York Times - Science

By concentrating their attention on what is lost, conservationists have often ignored what survives.

Yale University

And I can show you a few examples of what survives in wood.

Yale University

What survives among them, obviously, is just the sour dissidence of dissent.

The Guardian - Opinion

What survives, in Msamati's fine performance, is the demonic energy of Arturo.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what survives", ensure that the context clearly indicates what event or process the subject has survived. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "what survives" when referring to something that has merely changed form or evolved, rather than having faced potential extinction or destruction. The phrase implies a significant challenge overcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what survives" typically functions as a noun clause acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the things that continue to exist or remain functional after a significant event or period. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what survives" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a noun clause. It emphasizes the elements that have endured through a challenging process and carries a neutral tone, making it appropriate for various contexts. Ludwig AI shows that it is most commonly found in news and academic writing. When using this phrase, clarity is key to ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the survival being discussed. While alternatives like "what remains" and "what endures" exist, "what survives" uniquely implies overcoming a significant challenge. It appears Ludwig AI confirms that it is widely recognized and accepted in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what remains

Focuses on the portion that is left, similar to "what survives" but with an emphasis on the physical or tangible.

what endures

Emphasizes the lasting aspect, highlighting persistence over time, very close in meaning to "what survives".

the remaining part

Highlights the concept of the part that was not destroyed or taken away.

the lasting elements

Focuses on the components that have permanence, suggesting importance and resilience.

the enduring legacy

Highlights the impact and influence that continues over time, often related to achievements or contributions.

what persists

Stresses the continuation or ongoing existence, similar to "what endures" but slightly more general.

the remnants

Focuses on the traces or signs that are left behind after something has diminished or disappeared.

the vestiges

Implies subtle traces or remnants, often with historical or sentimental value.

the inheritance

Shifts the focus to what is passed down or received from the past, emphasizing legacy and continuity.

what is left standing

Emphasizes resistance and resilience, suggesting that something has overcome challenges or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "what survives" in a sentence?

You can use "what survives" to refer to the things that remain or endure after a specific event or period. For example, "What survives of the ancient civilization provides valuable insights into their culture".

What are some alternatives to using "what survives"?

Alternatives include phrases like "what remains", "what endures", or "the lasting elements depending on the context.

Is "what survives" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what survives" is grammatically correct. It functions as a relative clause, often serving as the subject of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the sentence is considered grammatically sound.

What is the difference between "what survives" and "what remains"?

"What survives" often implies overcoming a challenge or enduring through a difficult period, whereas "what remains" simply refers to what is left behind, without necessarily implying a struggle.