is still unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is still unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that a fact or information has not yet been established, revealed, or discovered. For example: "The cause of the explosion is still unknown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Much is still unknown.

The New York Times

"The cause is still unknown.

The New York Times

Her fate is still unknown.

The New York Times

Why retrieval testing helps is still unknown.

The New York Times - Science

The cause of death is still unknown.

The New York Times

"What it means is still unknown".

The New York Times

What caused the tragedy is still unknown.

The New York Times

The answer is still unknown: weird, right?

Stanford University

What causes alopecia areata is still unknown.

Harvard University

In which direction is still unknown.

The New York Times - Health

To be sure, much is still unknown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is still unknown", ensure the context clearly identifies what remains unknown to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "The details are still unknown", specify "The cause of the power outage is still unknown."

Common error

Avoid using "is still unknown" excessively in speculative writing where uncertainty is already implied. Overusing the phrase can make the writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Instead, use varied expressions or rephrase to introduce uncertainty more subtly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is still unknown" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject whose details or nature have yet to be discovered or confirmed. Ludwig examples show its usage across a wide variety of contexts, highlighting its versatility in indicating a lack of knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is still unknown" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a lack of current knowledge or certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and utilized across diverse contexts, from academic research to news reporting. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While the phrase is generally safe to use, it's important to ensure context is clear and avoid overusing it in speculative writing. Consider alternative phrases like "remains a mystery" or "has not been determined" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains a mystery

Emphasizes the enigmatic nature of the subject, highlighting the lack of understanding.

is not yet clear

Indicates a lack of clarity or understanding at the present time.

has not been determined

Focuses on the absence of a conclusive decision or finding regarding the matter.

is yet to be discovered

Highlights the anticipation of a future revelation or finding.

is uncertain at this time

Emphasizes the lack of certainty and the temporal aspect of the unknown.

is shrouded in mystery

Suggests the subject is concealed or obscured from understanding.

the answer remains elusive

Highlights the difficulty in finding a solution or explanation.

is pending further investigation

Highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover the unknown aspects of the subject.

eludes definitive explanation

Indicates that attempts to explain the subject conclusively have been unsuccessful.

is beyond current knowledge

Acknowledges the limitations of present understanding regarding the matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "is still unknown" to indicate that a piece of information or a fact has not yet been discovered or established. For example: "The long-term effects of this medication "is still unknown"."

What are some alternatives to "is still unknown"?

Alternatives include "remains a mystery", "is not yet clear", or "has not been determined". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is still unknown"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "is still unknown" is a common and accepted way to express that information is currently lacking.

What's the difference between "is unknown" and "is still unknown"?

"Is unknown" simply indicates that something isn't known. "Is still unknown" emphasizes that something has remained unknown despite the passage of time or attempts to find out.