The question remains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The question remains" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a particular question or issue has not been resolved or answered. Example: "After the discussion, the question remains: how do we move forward with the project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The question remains unresolved.

The New York Times

The question remains: What works?

The New York Times

The question remains somewhat theoretical.

The Economist

The question remains, how quickly?

The New York Times - Tech

The question remains: why Jackson?

The New York Times - Travel

The question remains: what ends?

The New York Times

The question remains: is it practical?

The New York Times

The question remains how the Jets will respond.

The New York Times - Sports

The question remains open.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The question remains: What's next?

Forbes

The question remains open, however.

Genus

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "The question remains" to introduce a pivotal unanswered point in your argument or narrative, creating suspense and prompting further inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "The question remains" multiple times within a single paragraph or short section. Vary your sentence structure and vocabulary to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "The question remains" functions as an introductory phrase or sentence starter, signaling that a specific query or issue has not been resolved. As shown by Ludwig, it commonly precedes a statement of what the unanswered question is.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "The question remains" is a highly versatile phrase used to introduce an unresolved issue. As Ludwig highlights, its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields, including News & Media and Science, make it suitable for various writing styles. Alternatives like "the issue is still open" or "that remains to be seen" can be used to avoid repetition. However, it's essential to avoid overuse and maintain clarity in writing. Ludwig's analysis underscores its role as a signal for open inquiries and persistent uncertainties in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The issue is still open

Emphasizes the lack of a definitive conclusion on a topic.

The matter is yet to be resolved

Highlights that a problem or situation has not been settled.

It's still up for debate

Suggests ongoing discussion and disagreement surrounding a subject.

That remains to be seen

Indicates uncertainty about a future outcome or development.

The answer is still unknown

Focuses on the absence of a clear response or solution.

The puzzle persists

Highlights the continuous existence of a confusing or unsolved problem.

The problem lingers

Indicates that a difficulty or challenge continues to exist.

The mystery endures

Emphasizes the enduring nature of something that cannot be explained.

The uncertainty persists

Highlights the continuing presence of doubt or lack of clarity.

The doubt lingers

Focuses on the continuing presence of skepticism.

FAQs

How can I use "The question remains" in a sentence?

Use "The question remains" to introduce an unresolved issue or point of uncertainty. For example: "The initial hypothesis was disproven; "the question remains": what caused the anomaly?"

What are some alternatives to "The question remains"?

Alternatives include "the issue is still open", "the matter is yet to be resolved", or "that remains to be seen" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "The question remains" in formal writing?

Yes, "The question remains" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to indicate that a specific issue has not been resolved.

What's the difference between "The question remains" and "The question persists"?

"The question remains" indicates an issue that has not been answered, while "The question persists" suggests that the issue continues to be relevant or problematic. "The question persists" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the problem.