but remains something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but remains something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that despite certain changes or conditions, a particular quality or state continues to exist. Example: "The project faced numerous challenges but remains something we are proud of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Gwadar was opened with great fanfare in 2007 but remains something of a white elephant.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

After Athens, Bowman loosened the reins somewhat — seven-days-a-week practices became more the exception than the rule — but Phelps remains something of a paradox: a person who has traveled the world but experienced little of it, a grown man whose maturation, even by Bowman's account, has been put on hold.

The New York Times - Sports

But he remains something of an enigma.

The New York Times

But there remains something unique about Dost.

Independent

But Syria remains something of a black box.

The New York Times

But it remains something of a puzzle as to why humans are affected by the Moon.

The Economist

But there remains something incomprehensibly bizarre about his achievement and his personality, as if he hailed, indeed, from Jupiter.

The New Yorker

But there remains something a little clinical about the efficiency with which he dispatches these studies in perky wistfulness.

The Guardian - Music

But there remains something unsettling about his improvisatory, reactive decision-making style — his inclination to act in the moment without necessarily anticipating the relevant future.

The New Yorker

These are puerile principles, in my opinion, demonstrating more fear of failure than artistic bravery, but there remains something magnificent about seeing them carried through.

The Guardian

His sense of identity is tentative at best: he has had a succession of careers as a would-be artist, would-be teacher, would-be radical but always remains something of a pretender at heart.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but remains something" to introduce a contrast while emphasizing a continuing aspect or quality. This is especially effective when you want to acknowledge change but also highlight persistence.

Common error

Avoid using "but remains something" in sentences where a simpler conjunction like "but is" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but remains something" functions as a transitional phrase introducing a contrast while emphasizing a continuing aspect. It typically connects two clauses, where the first clause presents a change or challenge, and the second highlights what persists despite that change. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but remains something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves as a valuable tool for creating nuanced statements that acknowledge change while highlighting what persists. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific articles, and formal business writing, it effectively conveys a sense of continuity amidst varying conditions. When using this phrase, remember to avoid overuse in simplistic sentences to maintain impact. Consider alternatives like "yet still is" or "however continues to be" for variety. By understanding its proper context and purpose, you can leverage "but remains something" to enhance the clarity and sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet still is

Replaces "remains something" with "still is", emphasizing the continuation of a state or quality.

however continues to be

Substitutes "but" with "however" and rephrases "remains something" to "continues to be", adding a slightly more formal tone.

nevertheless persists as

Replaces "but" with "nevertheless" and "remains something" with "persists as", increasing formality and emphasizing endurance.

though it is still considered

Rephrases the entire structure to emphasize consideration, indicating a degree of subjective perception.

while still functioning as

Highlights the continuing function of something despite other changes or conditions.

yet it endures as

Focuses on the enduring nature of something, even with contrasting factors.

but is still regarded as

Emphasizes how something is still viewed or thought of, despite other circumstances.

although it continues to serve as

Highlights the continuing function or purpose that something maintains.

but it hasn't ceased to be

Uses a double negative to emphasize that something is still present.

though it's still seen as

Emphasizes the prevailing perception of something, despite contrary influences.

FAQs

How can I use "but remains something" in a sentence?

Use "but remains something" to show that despite a change or contrasting element, a particular quality or state continues to exist. For example, "The project faced numerous challenges but remains something we are proud of."

What are some alternatives to "but remains something"?

You can use alternatives like "yet still is", "however continues to be", or "nevertheless persists as" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but remains something"?

Yes, the phrase "but remains something" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to indicate a continuing state despite a contrast.

When is it best to use "but remains something" instead of a simpler phrase like "but is"?

Use "but remains something" when you want to emphasize the persistence or endurance of a quality or state, even when there's a contrasting element. If the emphasis is unnecessary, "but is" may be more concise.