are still unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are still unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information, facts, or details that have not yet been discovered or revealed. Example: "The causes of the disease are still unknown, prompting further research in the medical community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chakma's whereabouts are still unknown.

The Guardian

The results are still unknown.

The New York Times - Sports

Their whereabouts are still unknown.

The New York Times

His whereabouts are still unknown.

The New York Times

Prices and release dates are still unknown.

Independent

Details of his condition are still unknown.

The Economist

The underlying mechanisms are still unknown.

Harvard University

Its cause or causes are still unknown.

The New York Times - Science

The mechanisms underlying SCI are still unknown.

Nature

Many species are still unknown to science.

Plant Diversity

However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown.

Experimental Neurology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are still unknown", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specifically remains unknown. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "are still unknown" excessively in passive constructions, which can make your writing sound weak or evasive. Instead, consider using active voice to emphasize the need for further investigation or research.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are still unknown" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject whose attributes or details have not yet been discovered or clarified. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used across various contexts to express a lack of current knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are still unknown" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that information or details are currently not known. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used in scientific, academic, and news contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is essential to specify what exactly remains unknown. While alternatives like "remain uncertain" or "have not been determined" exist, "are still unknown" effectively communicates a lack of knowledge and often implies the need for further investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain uncertain

Emphasizes the continuing state of uncertainty.

have not been determined

Focuses on the absence of a definitive determination or conclusion.

are yet to be discovered

Highlights the potential for future discovery or revelation.

are shrouded in mystery

Adds a sense of intrigue and obscurity.

are not yet clear

Indicates a lack of clarity or understanding.

are unconfirmed

Suggests that the information has not been verified or substantiated.

are subject to speculation

Indicates that the topic is open to interpretation and conjecture.

are matters of conjecture

Emphasizes the speculative nature of the topic.

evade understanding

Highlights the difficulty in comprehending the subject.

defy explanation

Suggests that the topic is difficult or impossible to explain.

FAQs

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

You can use "are still unknown" to indicate that certain facts, details, or causes have not yet been discovered or clarified. For example, "The long-term effects of this medication are still unknown."

What are some alternatives to "are still unknown"?

Alternatives include "remain uncertain", "have not been determined", or "are yet to be discovered", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

The correct form depends on whether you're referring to a singular or plural subject. Use "is still unknown" for singular subjects and "are still unknown" for plural subjects.

What is the difference between "are still unknown" and "remain unknown"?

"Are still unknown" emphasizes the ongoing state of lacking knowledge, while "remain unknown" highlights the persistence of this lack of knowledge over time. The difference is subtle, and they're often interchangeable.