it remained so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it remained so" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a situation or condition continued to exist in the same state over a period of time. Example: "Despite the challenges faced, the team's commitment to the project was unwavering, and it remained so until the very end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Its spire was again the tallest structure in the city, and it remained so until the advent of skyscrapers in the late 19th century.

The New York Times - Arts

Why has it remained so stubbornly high?

The Guardian - Opinion

And it remained so well into the Seventies and Eighties.

Independent

"It was a difficult storm because it remained so cold.

The New York Times

It remained so until the 19th century, being used most frequently in fresco decoration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It remained so with those shunning package tourism even after the area was returned to Egypt after its 1979 peace treaty with Israel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Under Capricorn was a victim of circumstance on its release, but why should it remain so?

The Guardian - Film

May it remain so.

The New York Times - Arts

Should it remain so?

The New York Times

Long may it remain so.

The Guardian - Music

By whose agency does it remain so wretched?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it remained so" to clearly indicate that a particular state, condition, or characteristic persisted over a period of time without significant change. This phrase effectively conveys continuity and stability.

Common error

Avoid using "it remained so" when the context implies that changes or modifications occurred. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the lack of alteration or deviation from the original state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it remained so" functions as a continuation marker, indicating that a previously mentioned condition, state, or characteristic persisted over time. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It connects a prior statement with its sustained existence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it remained so" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express the continuation of a state or condition. Ludwig's analysis shows it's commonly used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing to emphasize stability and lack of change. While "it stayed that way" and "it continued thus" offer similar meanings, "it remained so" effectively bridges formal and informal registers. Remember to use it when emphasizing continuity and avoid it when changes are implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it stayed that way

Emphasizes the continuation of a condition without significant change, focusing on the state.

it continued thus

More formal and literary, suggesting a continuation in the manner previously described.

it persisted in that state

Highlights the endurance of a particular condition or situation over time.

it endured as such

Implies a more resilient continuation, suggesting that something faced challenges but continued regardless.

it was unchanged

Directly states the absence of alteration or modification to the original state.

it held constant

Suggests stability and a lack of fluctuation in the specified condition.

it was still the case

Indicates that the original situation or fact remained valid or applicable.

it prevailed

Suggests that something was initially in a difficult situation but ultimately continued to exist or be true.

it sustained itself

Highlights the ability of something to maintain its condition or status without external support.

it carried on so

Indicates a continuation of an activity or state, often with an implication of routine or habit.

FAQs

How can I use "it remained so" in a sentence?

Use "it remained so" to indicate that a situation or condition continued without change. For example, "The policy was implemented in 2000, and "it remained so" until the recent amendment".

What are some alternatives to "it remained so"?

You can use phrases like "it stayed that way", "it continued thus", or "it persisted in that state" depending on the context.

Is "it remained so" formal or informal?

"It remained so" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its formality depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "it remained so" and "it was still the case"?

"It remained so" emphasizes the continuation of a specific state or condition, while "it was still the case" focuses on the validity or applicability of a fact or situation. Both indicate continuity, but with slightly different nuances.