is still mostly unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is still mostly unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a subject or topic that has not been fully explored or understood yet. Example: "The origins of the universe are still mostly unknown to scientists, despite many theories and research efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Because the industry is in its infancy in Ukraine, the public's attitude there is still mostly unknown.

The New York Times

"Some companies are capitalizing on the fact that the açai berry is still mostly unknown to the broader public, and is sold as a miracle curative fruit from the deep, dark Amazonian jungle.

The New York Times

Ms. Jones, 43, is still mostly unknown outside folk circles in the United States, although her 2006 record, "My Remembrance of You," received glowing reviews in British magazines like Uncut and Q.

The New York Times - Arts

Sberbank, which traces its origins to a 19th-century trust that was founded by the czars and survived the Soviet period to emerge as Russia's largest banking company, is still mostly unknown in the West.

The New York Times

THE jazz singer Cécile McLorin Salvant, who recently turned 23 and is still mostly unknown to jazz audiences, though not for much longer, sometimes puts on a face when she is approaching or leaving a stage.

The New York Times - Arts

This teardown at iFixit shows it's not just the Apple Tax that makes the cables expensive, though what exactly is going on in those little chips is still mostly unknown.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The operas are still mostly unknown except to connoisseurs.

The New York Times - Arts

They include a breathtaking design by Jean Nouvel, a head-scratching proposal by Norman Foster and some intriguing work by younger talents who are still mostly unknown internationally.

The New York Times - Arts

The case received minimal media coverage at the time, and the whereabouts of Johnson's child victims are still mostly unknown.

Independent

The western Pyrenean area contains extensive karst areas, however, their genesis and development are still mostly unknown.

Quaternary International

However, for reasons that are still mostly unknown meningococci occasionally enter the cerebrospinal fluid leading to often fatal bacterial meningitis especially in children and young adults.

International Journal of Medical Microbiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Cite credible sources when claiming that something "is still mostly unknown" to enhance the authority of your statement. This shows you've researched the topic's knowledge gaps.

Common error

Avoid using "is still mostly unknown" when there is already substantial information available. Be sure to verify your information, and instead of claiming something is totally unknown, specify the particular aspect that is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is still mostly unknown" functions as a qualifier, indicating a state of limited knowledge or understanding about a particular subject. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is frequently used in both scientific and journalistic contexts to acknowledge gaps in understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is still mostly unknown" serves to highlight the boundaries of current knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in both science and news media to acknowledge gaps in understanding. While alternatives like "remains largely obscure" or "is not widely understood" can offer nuanced variations, it's essential to ground any claim of uncertainty in credible sources and factual evidence. Avoiding overstatement and clearly specifying areas of lacking knowledge are crucial for maintaining credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not yet fully understood

Emphasizes the incomplete understanding.

is not widely understood

Focuses on the limited comprehension of the topic among people.

is generally unfamiliar

Focuses on the characteristic of being unknown by most of the people.

is largely uncharted

Highlights the unexplored or undocumented nature of the subject.

is still relatively obscure

Emphasizes that the phrase has limited popularity.

remains largely obscure

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or prominence.

is still largely unrecognized

Focuses on the lack of recognition.

remains largely a mystery

Highlights the enigmatic quality.

remains largely uninvestigated

Highlights the lack of investigation.

is yet to be fully elucidated

Highlights the lack of clarification and detailed examination of the subject.

FAQs

What does "is still mostly unknown" mean?

The phrase "is still mostly unknown" indicates that a subject or topic lacks comprehensive understanding or is not widely recognized. Many aspects of it "remains largely obscure", or "is not widely understood".

How can I use "is still mostly unknown" in a sentence?

You can use "is still mostly unknown" to describe something that is not yet fully understood or lacks comprehensive knowledge. For example: "The long-term effects of this medication "is still mostly unknown", requiring further research."

What are some alternatives to "is still mostly unknown"?

Alternatives include phrases like "remains largely uncharted", "is not yet fully understood", or "is still relatively obscure", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is still mostly unknown"?

It's appropriate to use "is still mostly unknown" when discussing a subject or area where existing knowledge is limited or incomplete, and further research or exploration is required. Ensure that this assessment is backed by credible sources and evidence.