are largely unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

"are largely unknown" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not known or understood very well. For example: "The long-term effects of the virus on human health are largely unknown."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are largely unknown under their helmets.

The New York Times

The molecular mechanisms are largely unknown.

Leukemia Research

However, their physiological roles are largely unknown.

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry

These silencing mechanisms, however, are largely unknown.

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

However, the mechanisms underlying SCNT-mediated reprogramming are largely unknown.

Harvard University

Factors controlling these changes in polarity are largely unknown.

Stanford University

The experiences of private hostel residents are largely unknown.

The Guardian

Their effects on climate are largely unknown, experts said.

The New York Times - Science

But, to casual fans, they are largely unknown.

The New Yorker

However, common mechanisms underlying the pathological hyperexcitability are largely unknown.

Nature

His financial partners on his deals are largely unknown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are largely unknown" to accurately reflect a significant gap in knowledge. Ensure that you're not overstating the lack of understanding if some information does exist.

Common error

Be specific about what aspects "are largely unknown". Avoid using the phrase as a vague generalization without identifying the specific area of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are largely unknown" functions as a descriptive predicate adjective. It modifies a subject, indicating that the subject's characteristics, causes, effects, or mechanisms are not well understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

13%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are largely unknown" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a significant lack of understanding or information about a subject. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and academic writing, it signals the need for further research or investigation. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the level of uncertainty and is not a vague overstatement. Consider alternatives like "are mostly obscure" or "remain mostly unstudied" to fine-tune your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are mostly obscure

Replaces 'unknown' with 'obscure', emphasizing a lack of clarity or visibility.

are predominantly mysterious

Substitutes 'unknown' with 'mysterious', highlighting the enigmatic nature of the subject.

are generally unrecognized

Replaces 'unknown' with 'unrecognized', focusing on the lack of acknowledgement or awareness.

remain mostly unstudied

Shifts the focus to a lack of research or investigation.

are basically uncharted

Uses 'uncharted' to convey a sense of unexplored territory or a lack of documented information.

are essentially undiscovered

Emphasizes that the subject is new and has not been found or explored yet.

are substantially unexamined

Highlights the lack of thorough inspection or analysis.

are commonly disregarded

Suggests that something is being ignored rather than being truly unknown.

are widely unacknowledged

Focuses on the lack of recognition or acceptance, rather than a complete lack of knowledge.

are imperfectly understood

Implies some level of understanding exists, but it is incomplete or flawed.

FAQs

How can I use "are largely unknown" in a sentence?

You can use "are largely unknown" to describe subjects where information is scarce or not well-understood. For example, "The side effects of this new medication are largely unknown".

What phrases are similar to "are largely unknown"?

Similar phrases include "are mostly obscure", "are predominantly mysterious", and "remain mostly unstudied".

Is it correct to say "is largely unknown" instead of "are largely unknown"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is" with singular subjects (e.g., "The reason is largely unknown") and "are" with plural subjects (e.g., "The reasons are largely unknown").

What does "largely unknown" mean?

"Largely unknown" means that while some information might exist, the majority of the details or understanding is missing or incomplete.