it remained unclear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it remained unclear" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a situation or statement that is not fully understood or that lacks clarity. Example: Despite our best efforts, the reason for the company's sudden decline in profits remained unclear.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it remained unclear how the new administration would engineer its budget to tackle the problem.

The Washington Post

It remained unclear what downed the plane.

The New York Times

It remained unclear who would succeed him.

The New York Times

However, it remained unclear how badly injured he was.

The Guardian

It remained unclear who had fired shots at the cars.

The New York Times

It remained unclear how the impasse would be resolved.

The New York Times

It remained unclear what the combined company would be called.

The New York Times

And so it remained unclear just what had happened today.

The New York Times

It remained unclear where this proposal left negotiations.

The New York Times

It remained unclear how the dispute would be resolved.

The New York Times

It remained unclear whether the bank would comply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rephrasing to provide more context about what specifically is unclear and why. Instead of simply stating "it remained unclear", try to add detail about the nature of the uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "it remained unclear" as a generic placeholder. Always ensure that the sentence provides enough context for the reader to understand what aspect is unclear and why it matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it remained unclear" functions as an impersonal construction indicating a lack of certainty or understanding. It typically introduces a clause specifying what aspect lacks clarity. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it remained unclear" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a lack of certainty or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and frequently encountered in various forms of writing, particularly in news and media. While versatile, ensuring contextual clarity when using this phrase is vital to provide informative and effective communication. Alternatives like "it was still uncertain" or "the situation was ambiguous" can be considered for stylistic variation, always focusing on precision and the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was still uncertain

Replaces "remained unclear" with "still uncertain", emphasizing the ongoing lack of clarity.

it was yet to be determined

Emphasizes that the information will be clear at a later date.

the situation was ambiguous

Focuses on the ambiguity of the situation, rather than the lack of clarity.

uncertainty persisted

Highlights the continuation of uncertainty, similar to "remained unclear".

the details were hazy

Emphasizes the lack of specific details making things unclear.

clarity was still absent

Directly states the absence of clarity, offering a more forceful alternative.

the answer was elusive

Highlights the difficulty in finding a clear answer or explanation.

the picture was incomplete

Focuses on the missing pieces of information that contribute to the lack of clarity.

the facts were murky

Focuses on the obscurity and lack of transparency of the facts.

the matter was unresolved

Shifts the focus to the lack of resolution, implying that clarity is dependent on a resolution.

FAQs

What does "it remained unclear" mean?

The phrase "it remained unclear" signifies that something was not understood or known at a certain point, and continues to lack clarity. It indicates a persistent state of uncertainty.

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

Use "it remained unclear" to express that a particular aspect or situation lacked, and continues to lack, a definite answer or explanation. For example, "After the investigation, "it remained unclear" who was responsible for the error."

What can I say instead of "it remained unclear"?

You can use alternatives like "it was still uncertain", "the situation was ambiguous", or "clarity was still absent" depending on the context.

Is "it remained unclear" formal or informal?

"It remained unclear" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might choose a more sophisticated synonym to enhance the tone.