are not yet fully understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not yet fully understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, phenomena, or topics that have not been completely grasped or comprehended. Example: "The mechanisms behind dark matter are not yet fully understood, prompting further research in astrophysics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The drugs work by suppressing appetite, by increasing metabolism, and by other mechanisms that are not yet fully understood.

The New Yorker

Redox mechanisms of conducting polymers are not yet fully understood.

Electrochimica Acta

The underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood.

Annals of Intensive Care

Furthermore, the most essential processes in oral biofilm formation are not yet fully understood [52].

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Unfortunately, the exact causes and their relative contribution to global warming are not yet fully understood.

Latin American Economic Review

However, the fundamental mechanisms guiding the interactions between ENP and biofilms are not yet fully understood.

Science of The Total Environment

These underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood and need further clarification.

Maturitas

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The mechanisms through which RAN controls these processes, however, are not yet fully understood.

Plosone

Some behavioural and neurobiological mechanisms of this phenomenon are not yet fully understood.

Brain and Cognition

Migraine is considered a neurovascular disorder, but its pathophysiological mechanisms are not yet fully understood.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Despite much effort, ASDs are not yet fully understood.

Trends in Molecular Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are not yet fully understood", ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspects remain unclear. Be specific about the gaps in knowledge to guide further inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "are not yet fully understood" as a blanket statement to dismiss existing knowledge. Acknowledge what is known before emphasizing the remaining uncertainties. Instead of simply stating that something isn't fully understood, briefly summarize the current understanding before pointing out the gaps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not yet fully understood" functions as a qualifier, typically modifying a noun phrase to indicate a state of incomplete knowledge or comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms this through its numerous examples of usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

94%

News & Media

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not yet fully understood" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a concept, mechanism, or phenomenon is not completely known or comprehended. According to Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in scientific and academic contexts, where it serves to acknowledge limitations in current knowledge and encourage further research. While alternatives like "are not completely clear" or "remain largely unexplained" exist, this phrase remains a reliable and precise way to convey uncertainty in formal writing. Remember to be specific about the gaps in knowledge rather than overstating the uncertainty to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not completely understood

This alternative uses "completely" instead of "fully", slightly changing the nuance of comprehensiveness.

are not entirely understood

Substituting "fully" with "entirely" offers a near-identical meaning with a subtle difference in tone.

remain poorly understood

This alternative shifts the focus to the degree of understanding (or lack thereof), rather than the process.

are not well understood

This simplifies the phrase, focusing on the general lack of understanding.

are imperfectly understood

Replaces 'fully' with 'imperfectly,' emphasizing the flawed or incomplete nature of understanding.

are partially understood

Highlights that some aspects are known, but not all.

are subject to further research

This phrase emphasizes the need for more investigation rather than directly stating a lack of understanding.

are still being investigated

Focuses on the ongoing investigation of the subject, implying a lack of complete understanding.

defy complete explanation

This expresses the lack of understanding in a more emphatic and descriptive way.

are an enigma

Presents the subject as a mystery, highlighting the lack of understanding in a dramatic manner.

FAQs

What does "are not yet fully understood" mean?

The phrase "are not yet fully understood" means that something is not completely known or comprehended. It indicates that there are still unanswered questions or gaps in the understanding of a particular subject.

How can I use "are not yet fully understood" in a sentence?

You can use "are not yet fully understood" to describe a phenomenon, concept, or process that requires further research or explanation. For example: "The long-term effects of this medication "are not yet fully understood"."

What can I say instead of "are not yet fully understood"?

You can use alternatives like "are not completely clear", "remain largely unexplained", or "are still being investigated" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is not yet fully understood" instead of "are not yet fully understood"?

Yes, both forms are correct, but they depend on the subject. Use "is not yet fully understood" for singular subjects (e.g., "The mechanism is not yet fully understood") and "are not yet fully understood" for plural subjects (e.g., "The mechanisms "are not yet fully understood"").