It remains to be seen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It remains to be seen" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that the outcome of a situation is uncertain and will only be determined in the future. Example: "The new policy has been implemented, but it remains to be seen how effective it will be in reducing costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It remains to be seen somewhat.

The Guardian

It remains to be seen whether the politicians are listening.

The Economist

It remains to be seen if it is practical.

The Economist

It remains to be seen if it delivers.

The New York Times - Arts

It remains to be seen whether they will.

The Economist

It remains to be seen whether the public agrees.

The New Yorker

It remains to be seen if Washington got it.

The New York Times

It remains to be seen how much that will matter.

The New York Times

It remains to be seen whether Nirbhaya will encounter opposition.

Independent

It remains to be seen how "Free to Be.

The New York Times - Arts

"It remains to be seen whether they grasp it".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "It remains to be seen" to introduce a sense of anticipation or uncertainty about future developments, especially when discussing potential outcomes or consequences of current actions.

Common error

Avoid using "It remained to be seen" when referring to a future outcome. This phrase implies that the uncertainty was resolved in the past, which contradicts the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It remains to be seen" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that the outcome of a particular situation is uncertain and will only be revealed in the future. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "It remains to be seen" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty about future outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this expression serves to introduce a sense of anticipation or provisionality, acknowledging that the final result is contingent and yet to be determined. Alternatives like "time will tell" or "the outcome is uncertain" can be used depending on the desired level of formality or emphasis. When using the phrase, ensure that the tense aligns with the intended future reference to avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That is yet to be seen

Changes "it" to "that" to refer to a previously mentioned subject.

It is yet to be determined

This alternative emphasizes that the decision or resolution is still pending and has not been finalized.

The outcome is uncertain

This alternative directly states the uncertainty of a specific outcome, focusing on the lack of predictability.

We shall see

This alternative is a more direct and assertive way of saying that the outcome will be observed in due course.

It is difficult to predict

Focuses on the difficulty in forecasting the future outcome.

Time will tell

This alternative is a more concise and idiomatic way of expressing that the outcome will be revealed in the future.

The jury is still out

An idiomatic expression indicating that a final decision or judgment has not yet been reached.

Only time will tell

Adding "only" emphasizes that time is the sole factor that will reveal the outcome.

The future is uncertain

This alternative presents a broader perspective on the uncertainty of future events, rather than focusing on a specific outcome.

The situation is unfolding

This phrase suggests that the situation is in progress and the final outcome is still developing.

FAQs

How can I use "It remains to be seen" in a sentence?

Use "It remains to be seen" to express uncertainty about a future outcome or result. For instance, "The company has invested heavily in research; "it remains to be seen" whether this will translate into increased profits".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "It remains to be seen"?

Alternatives include "time will tell", "we shall see", or "the outcome is uncertain". The choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "It remains to be seen" formal or informal?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations, making it a versatile expression.

What's the difference between "It remains to be seen" and "It is yet to be seen"?

The two phrases are very similar in meaning and are often interchangeable. "It is yet to be seen" might emphasize that the outcome is further in the future, but the difference is often negligible.