is unexplained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unexplained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has not been clarified or accounted for in a discussion or analysis. Example: "The phenomenon observed in the experiment is unexplained, prompting further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her presence is unexplained.

The New York Times - Arts

There is unexplained tension between the men.

The New York Times

It is unexplained by the evidence.

The Guardian

The soldiers' purpose there is unexplained.

The Guardian - Books

Just because something is unexplained need not deny it the hard-edged clarity of a fact.

The New Yorker

(How Árni acquired it, or what the friend was doing with it, is unexplained).

The New Yorker

Ms. Brody's deliberate singling out of "mothers" rather than "parents" is unexplained and infuriating.

The New York Times

A lot in "Southwest" is unexplained and left for the viewer to ponder.

The New York Times

Police have said only that her death is unexplained, and that speculation regarding an overdose is "inappropriate".

The Guardian - Music

By what miracle an infant could survive and an adult perish, on the open sea, is unexplained.

The New Yorker

Cooper's passion for Claire is unexplained, but it is, after all, a passion, so that is forgivable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is unexplained" when you want to clearly state that something lacks a known explanation or cause, prompting further investigation or consideration. For example, in scientific research, pointing out that a phenomenon "is unexplained" can highlight areas needing further study.

Common error

Avoid using "is unexplained" when a simple explanation is readily available or when the lack of explanation is obvious. Overusing the phrase in such cases can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or unclear. Instead, opt for more direct language when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unexplained" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of a known reason or cause. As seen in Ludwig, it often appears in contexts where phenomena or observations defy current understanding, pointing towards the need for further investigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is unexplained" serves as an adjectival phrase denoting the absence of a known explanation or cause for something. Ludwig's analysis reveals it's grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in science and news reporting. The phrase often prompts further investigation or acknowledgment of uncertainty. Given its common usage and clear meaning, "is unexplained" is a useful tool for expressing a lack of understanding or knowledge in various writing styles. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not understood

Emphasizes a lack of comprehension rather than a lack of explanation.

is without explanation

Directly states the absence of an explanation.

is inexplicable

A more formal synonym, emphasizing the impossibility of explaining something.

remains a mystery

Highlights the enigmatic nature of the subject, implying a deeper level of obscurity.

is not accounted for

Focuses on the absence of factors explaining something.

lacks clarification

Highlights that the information has not been properly clarified.

has no clear reason

Shifts the focus to the absence of a discernible cause or motive.

defies explanation

Suggests that the subject is so unusual or complex that it cannot be explained.

is still open to question

Indicates that the matter requires further investigation and does not have an easy answer yet.

is puzzling

Indicates that something is confusing and difficult to understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "is unexplained" to indicate that a phenomenon or event lacks a known explanation. For example: "The sudden increase in patient cases "is unexplained", prompting further investigation by health officials."

What are some alternatives to using "is unexplained"?

Alternatives include "remains unclear", "is not understood", or "lacks clarification", depending on the specific context. Each carries slightly different nuances but conveys a similar lack of explanation.

When is it appropriate to use "is unexplained" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when discussing complex issues in science, research, or any field where rigorous investigation and analysis are required, to indicate a lack of current understanding or a need for further exploration. However, be mindful not to overuse it in place of more direct language when possible.

What's the difference between "is unexplained" and "is unaccounted for"?

"Is unexplained" means there's no known reason or cause. "Is unaccounted for" suggests something is missing or not tracked in a record or system, often implying a discrepancy or lack of oversight. For example: "The missing funds "are unaccounted for"" (missing from records), whereas "The patient's sudden recovery "is unexplained"" (no known medical reason).