is largely unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is largely unknown' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or fact in which something is not widely known or understood. For example, "The history of the small town is largely unknown to outsiders."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Driben's largess is largely unknown.

The New York Times - Sports

The picture is largely unknown and far from straightforward.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite all that, Green is largely unknown in this city.

The New York Times

The ancient history of the Caria people is largely unknown.

Independent

The origin of its name is largely unknown.

The New York Times - Sports

Right now the value of Facebook advertising is largely unknown".

The New York Times - Tech

The pathophysiology is largely unknown.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Its function is largely unknown.

Micron

The pathophysiology of NDPH is largely unknown.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Regulation of Gdnf expression is largely unknown.

Mechanisms of Development

However, the underlying mechanism is largely unknown.

Journal of Surgical Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is largely unknown", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspect is lacking in knowledge or understanding. Providing context enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is largely unknown" when some information is available. Instead, consider phrases like "partially understood" or "incompletely characterized" to reflect the nuanced understanding more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is largely unknown" functions as a descriptive predicate adjective, modifying a noun or subject by indicating a significant lack of knowledge or understanding regarding it. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase appears in various contexts to express uncertainty or incomplete information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

81%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is largely unknown" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, especially within scientific and news contexts, to convey a significant lack of understanding or information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively acknowledges existing knowledge gaps and often precedes further explanation or investigation. While versatile, it is best used when some, but not complete, ignorance exists, and ensuring clarity in what specifically remains unknown is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is mostly unknown

Replaces "largely" with "mostly", suggesting that a significant part, but not necessarily the majority, is unknown.

is primarily unknown

Substitutes "largely" with "primarily", emphasizing that the main aspect is unknown.

is generally unknown

Uses "generally" instead of "largely", implying a lack of common knowledge or awareness.

is essentially unknown

Replaces "largely" with "essentially", indicating that the core aspects are unknown.

remains largely a mystery

Adds emphasis by stating that something "remains a mystery", highlighting the uncertainty.

is relatively obscure

Uses "relatively obscure" to indicate that something is not well-known or easily understood.

is not widely recognized

Focuses on the lack of recognition or acceptance of something.

is poorly understood

Emphasizes the lack of comprehension or understanding.

is shrouded in mystery

Emphasizes that something is concealed or difficult to grasp, adding a dramatic tone.

is a matter of speculation

Suggests that something is based on conjecture rather than concrete knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "is largely unknown" in a sentence?

You can use "is largely unknown" to describe topics or phenomena for which our knowledge is incomplete. For example, "The mechanism of action for this drug "is largely unknown"."

What are some alternatives to "is largely unknown"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is mostly unknown", "is poorly understood", or "remains largely a mystery", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is largely unknown" in formal writing?

Yes, "is largely unknown" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific and academic contexts where acknowledging gaps in knowledge is common. However, ensure the statement is accurate and supported by evidence.

What's the difference between "is largely unknown" and "is completely unknown"?

"Is largely unknown" implies some information or understanding exists, but it is limited. "Is completely unknown" indicates a total absence of information or understanding. The phrase "is completely unknown" suggests a greater degree of ignorance.