I am trying to find a single word or short phrase to fit into the following passage:
Although many similar works were written, none of the others have survived. Its [extant-ness] is undoubtedly one of the main reasons for its influence.
Some things I have considered and rejected already:
- uniqueness (because the work was not unique, although it is uniquely extant)
- survival (this is close, but doesn't have quite the right ring to it)
I would really like a noun or short noun phrase that means "the quality of being extant". As far as I know, "extantness" is not a word (and if it is a word, yuck). Suggestions appreciated.
Best Answer
It seems you are looking for existence.
If you want to emphasize the fact that "just being extant" is in and of itself a main reason for its influence, you could use its mere existence or something of the kind.