it is unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

'it is unknown' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is not known or understood at the present time. For example: "The cause of the fire is unknown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is unknown territory.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is unknown but bounded.

Journal of the Franklin Institute

What will replace it is unknown.

The Economist

It is unknown what caused the avalanche.

The Guardian

It is unknown how Prism actually works.

The Guardian

It is unknown who was responsible.

The Guardian

It is unknown to most around here.

The Guardian

It is unknown how many are fraudulent.

The Washington Post

It is unknown whether related hawks stay together when migrating.

Cornell University

It is unknown how long the congress will last.

The Guardian

It is unknown how long the recuperation period will last.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is unknown" to introduce a statement of uncertainty, especially when presenting factual information or research findings. This establishes a clear and objective tone.

Common error

Avoid beginning multiple consecutive sentences with "it is unknown". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is unknown" functions as an impersonal construction used to express a lack of knowledge or certainty about a particular fact or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is commonly used in various contexts to introduce uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is unknown" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of knowledge or certainty, especially in formal and objective contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance make it a reliable choice for academic writing, news reporting, and professional communication. While "it is unknown" is quite frequent across diverse sources, including News & Media, Science, and Academia, writers should avoid overuse and ensure variety in their sentence structures. Alternatives like "it is not known" or "it remains unclear" can add nuance and sophistication to your writing. Remember to use "it is unknown" when you want to maintain an objective and impersonal tone, particularly when presenting factual information or research findings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not known

Rephrasing by negating "known" makes it semantically similar but emphasizes the lack of knowledge.

it remains unclear

Focuses on the ambiguity and lack of clarity surrounding a subject.

the answer is unclear

Highlights the absence of a definite answer or solution.

the details are uncertain

Emphasizes the vagueness and unreliability of the specific details.

the truth is elusive

Suggests that the truth is difficult to grasp or ascertain.

the facts are unconfirmed

Indicates that the facts have not been verified or corroborated.

we cannot determine

Shifts the focus to the inability of someone to make a determination.

we have no information

Highlights the lack of available information on a particular topic.

the data is inconclusive

Suggests that the data does not provide a clear or definitive answer.

it's a mystery

Infuses a sense of intrigue or bafflement regarding the unknown.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is unknown" to introduce a piece of information that is not yet determined or established. For example, "It is unknown whether the experiment will succeed".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is unknown"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is not known", "it remains unclear", or simply, "we don't know" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "it is unknown" formal or informal?

"It is unknown" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. While acceptable in everyday speech, it's particularly suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing. For more informal contexts, consider simpler alternatives.

When should I use "it is unknown" instead of "I don't know"?

Use "it is unknown" when you want to present a statement of objective uncertainty, often in situations where personal knowledge is irrelevant. "I don't know" is more appropriate for expressing personal lack of knowledge.