is inconclusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is inconclusive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing results, evidence, or findings that do not lead to a definitive conclusion or outcome. Example: "The study's findings are inconclusive, leaving room for further research to clarify the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Everything is inconclusive.

The New Yorker

The evidence is inconclusive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Art work is inconclusive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The evidence, however, is inconclusive.

Britannica

However, the research so far is inconclusive.

The New York Times

There is inconclusive evidence in both directions".

The New York Times - Arts

The ending is inconclusive as well.

The New York Times

Yet the final report is inconclusive.

The New York Times

Perhaps, but the evidence is inconclusive.

The New York Times - Books

The research so far is inconclusive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The industry says the research is inconclusive.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "is inconclusive" with a brief explanation of why the conclusion is lacking. For instance, mention the limitations of the data or the conflicting evidence.

Common error

Avoid presenting "is inconclusive" as a final judgment. It signifies a need for further investigation, not a definitive dismissal or acceptance of the matter at hand. Present it as a stepping stone for further investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is inconclusive" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject (e.g., evidence, results, study) to indicate that it does not lead to a definite or certain conclusion. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

22%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is inconclusive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that evidence, results, or findings do not lead to a definitive conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate across various formal contexts, particularly in academic research, scientific analysis, and news reporting. While widely accepted, it's crucial to provide context when using this phrase, specifying what exactly lacks a firm conclusion. Using alternatives like "remains uncertain", or "is not definitive" can refine the nuance. Remember to avoid presenting an inconclusive finding as a final decision but as a stepping stone for further investigations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not definitive

Directly states the lack of a final or authoritative conclusion.

remains uncertain

Emphasizes the continuing state of uncertainty.

is unproven

A more concise way of saying "has not been proven".

is still open to question

Highlights that the matter is still debatable and not settled.

has not been proven

Indicates that the matter hasn't been demonstrated to be true.

lacks sufficient evidence

Focuses on the absence of enough supporting data.

is not clear

A straightforward way to express a lack of clarity.

is ambiguous

Suggests that the information is unclear or has multiple interpretations.

is debatable

Highlights that different opinions or arguments can be made.

is up in the air

An informal idiom indicating that the outcome is still undecided.

FAQs

How can I use "is inconclusive" in a sentence?

You can use "is inconclusive" to describe results, evidence, or findings that don't lead to a definite conclusion. For example: "The research on this topic "is inconclusive", further studies are needed".

What are some alternatives to "is inconclusive"?

Alternatives include "remains uncertain", "is not definitive", or "is still open to question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is inconclusive" in formal writing?

Yes, "is inconclusive" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, and professional contexts, when discussing results or findings that lack a definitive conclusion.

What does it mean when research "is inconclusive"?

When research "is inconclusive", it means the results don't provide a clear or definitive answer to the research question. More studies may be needed to reach a firm conclusion.