how many remain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how many remain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the quantity of items, people, or elements that are left or still present after some have been removed or used. Example: "After the meeting, I counted the chairs, and I want to know how many remain for the next session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

How many remain uncorrected is unclear.

The New York Times

Nobody will know how many remain incarcerated.

The New York Times

And they refuse to say how many remain.

The New York Times - Sports

How many remain, and how organized they are, is unknown.

The New York Times

Some have been released, and it is not clear how many remain in jail.

The New York Times

Still, it is unclear how many remain active in the city.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

In fact, senior F.B.I. and Justice Department officials were unsure how many remained in custody.

The New York Times

It is unknown how many remained trapped in homes and vehicles.

The Guardian

Air Force officials have declined to say exactly how many remained, citing operational security, or how damaged they might be.

The Washington Post

Mr. Roy declined to specify how many remained in detention, or whether the interrogations yielded any leads.

The New York Times

As the sun set on Sunday, it was impossible to know how many Texans trapped by flooding had been rescued, and how many remained in danger.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and formality of your writing. While "how many remain" is generally neutral, synonyms like "what quantity persists" or "how many are extant" can add a more formal or academic flavor.

Common error

Avoid using "stay" or "last" interchangeably with "remain" if the context implies a reduction from an initial quantity. "Remain" specifically refers to what is left after some items have been removed or lost, while "stay" and "last" indicate continued presence without a prior reduction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how many remain" functions as an interrogative clause used to inquire about a quantity. It implies a prior state where a larger number existed, and seeks to determine the quantity that persists. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how many remain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative clause that seeks to determine a quantity after a reduction or loss. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific papers. While generally versatile, it's important to ensure the context implies a prior reduction to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases such as "what number are left" or "how many are still there" can offer alternative phrasing, though "how many remain" often implies a more enduring or formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what number are left

Replaces "how many" with "what number", emphasizing the numerical aspect. It's a more direct way of asking about the quantity.

how many are still there

Focuses on the location or presence of the items in question.

what is the remaining quantity

More formal and emphasizes the exact amount that is left.

what portion is left

Focuses on the fraction or percentage that remains.

how many survive

Implies a situation where some have perished or disappeared, focusing on the survivors.

what is the balance

Suitable when referring to numerical quantities, particularly in a financial or accounting context.

what quantity persists

A more formal and less common way to ask about what is still present.

how many are outstanding

Used when referring to tasks, debts, or items that need to be completed or accounted for.

how many endure

Emphasizes the resilience or longevity of the remaining items.

how many are extant

A formal, almost academic way of asking about the number of items that still exist.

FAQs

How do I use "how many remain" in a sentence?

The phrase "how many remain" is used to inquire about the quantity of items, people, or elements that are left or still present after some have been removed or used. For example: "After the first round, how many remain in the competition?"

What can I say instead of "how many remain"?

You can use alternatives like "what number are left", "how many are still there", or "what is the remaining quantity" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "how many remain"?

It's generally correct, but make sure the context implies that something has been removed or has disappeared from an initial quantity. If there was never a reduction, "how many are present" might be more accurate.

What is the nuance between "how many remain" and "how many are left"?

While both phrases are very similar, "how many remain" often carries a slightly more formal or enduring connotation, suggesting a longer-term persistence or survival, whereas "how many are left" is more general and immediate.