is unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when you want to explain that something is not known or not understood. For example, "The cause of the accident is unknown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now everything is unknown.

The New York Times

A motive is unknown.

The New York Times

The prevalence is unknown.

The New York Times - Health

The suspect is unknown.

The New York Times

That is unknown".

The New York Times - Arts

Henry's father is unknown.

The New York Times - Books

My name is unknown.

The New Yorker

Its author is unknown.

The New York Times - Books

Naji's identity is unknown.

The New Yorker

The source is unknown.

The New Yorker

The motive is unknown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is unknown" when you want to clearly state that information about a particular subject is not available or has not yet been discovered. It is suitable for various contexts, from formal reports to casual discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "is unknown" in unnecessarily convoluted sentences. Ensure the sentence structure is clear and the phrase directly contributes to conveying the lack of information. Sometimes a simpler construction improves clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unknown" functions as a copular verb phrase linking a subject to a state of being, specifically, the condition of being not known. It indicates a lack of information or certainty regarding the subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

31%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Huffington Post

3%

TechCrunch

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is unknown" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to indicate a lack of information or certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across diverse sources. It is particularly prevalent in news, encyclopedic content, and Wikipedia articles. When writing, ensure that the sentence structure is clear and the phrase directly contributes to conveying the absence of information. Consider alternatives like "is uncertain" or "is not known" for slight variations in meaning. Remember, clear and concise usage improves communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not known

A direct and simple substitute, focusing on the absence of knowledge.

remains uncertain

This alternative highlights the unresolved or indefinite nature of something.

is yet to be determined

This phrase emphasizes that a decision or discovery is pending.

is still a mystery

This option adds an element of intrigue or unsolved problem.

has not been ascertained

A more formal way of saying something hasn't been found out.

is shrouded in mystery

Implies a deliberate concealing or lack of clarity.

is anybody's guess

Suggests a speculative situation where any answer is possible.

escapes definition

This phrase emphasizes the difficulty or impossibility of defining something.

is beyond comprehension

Indicates that something is impossible to understand.

defies explanation

Suggests that something cannot be explained logically or rationally.

FAQs

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

You can use "is unknown" to indicate that a piece of information is not currently available or has not yet been discovered. For example, "The cause of the fire "is unknown"."

What are some alternatives to "is unknown"?

Alternatives to "is unknown" include "is uncertain", "is not known", or "remains a mystery", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "is unknown" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It's a clear and direct way to state that a piece of information is not available.

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

"Is unknown" indicates a complete lack of information, while "is uncertain" suggests that there is some information, but it is not reliable or definitive.