it remained unclear whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it remained unclear whether" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used when the speaker is uncertain or unsure about something and indicates that the uncertainty has persisted for a certain period of time. It can also be used to introduce a question or doubt about something. Example: Despite conducting numerous studies, it remained unclear whether the new medication was effective in treating the disease.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It remained unclear whether the message was having its intended effect.

The New York Times

It remained unclear whether the bank would comply.

The New York Times

It remained unclear whether her killer had political motives.

The New York Times

It remained unclear whether a resolution would satisfy constituents.

The New York Times

It remained unclear whether Taurasi's W.N.B.A. eligibility would be affected.

The New York Times - Sports

It remained unclear whether the house had smoke detectors.

The New York Times

It remained unclear whether North Korea accepted the proposal.

The New York Times

It remained unclear whether pivotal figures would testify or invoke the Fifth Amendment.

The New York Times

It remained unclear whether the resolution would come to a vote in the full house.

The Guardian

It remained unclear whether the original defense lawyer, Ron Hayes, knew about the evidence.

The New York Times

It remained unclear whether there was any link to outside terrorist groups.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it remained unclear whether" to introduce a point of uncertainty after presenting some background information or context. This helps to frame the uncertainty in a meaningful way.

Common error

While "it remained unclear whether" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive constructions can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to use a more active voice if appropriate. For example, instead of "It remained unclear whether the experiment would succeed", you could write "Researchers hadn't yet determined if the experiment would succeed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it remained unclear whether" functions as an introductory clause that sets the stage for a statement of uncertainty. It indicates that despite previous consideration or investigation, a particular fact or outcome has not been definitively established. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

28%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it remained unclear whether" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to introduce uncertainty or ambiguity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, this phrase serves to indicate that a particular fact or outcome has not been definitively established. Alternatives include phrases such as "it was uncertain whether" or "the question of whether remained unresolved". When using "it remained unclear whether", be mindful of avoiding passive voice overuse and ensure it logically follows the preceding context to set the stage for the discussion of uncertainty. Ludwig's examples underscore the phrase's versatility in conveying doubt across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was still uncertain if

Replaces "remained unclear" with "was still uncertain", slightly altering the emphasis while retaining the core meaning.

it was yet to be determined whether

Emphasizes that a determination has not yet been made, adding a sense of anticipation.

the question of whether remained unresolved

Shifts the focus to the unresolved nature of the question itself.

it hadn't been established whether

Indicates that a fact or condition hasn't been confirmed.

the uncertainty surrounding whether persisted

Highlights the continuation of uncertainty.

it stayed ambiguous as to whether

Uses "stayed ambiguous" to convey the ongoing lack of clarity.

it was not yet apparent whether

Suggests that something has not become obvious or evident.

the matter of whether was still open

Emphasizes that the issue is still subject to consideration or debate.

clarity was still lacking on whether

Focuses on the absence of clarity regarding a particular matter.

no definitive conclusion had been reached on whether

Stresses the lack of a final decision or judgment.

FAQs

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

Use "it remained unclear whether" to introduce a situation where the outcome or a specific detail is still uncertain. For instance, "After the initial investigation, "it remained unclear whether" the fire was accidental or arson".

What are some alternatives to "it remained unclear whether"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was uncertain whether", "it was yet to be determined whether", or "the question of whether remained unresolved", each conveying a similar sense of ambiguity.

Is it better to use "it was unclear whether" or "it remained unclear whether"?

"It was unclear whether" indicates uncertainty at a specific point, while ""it remained unclear whether"" implies that the uncertainty persisted over a period of time.

What is the difference between "unclear" and "uncertain" in the context of "it remained"?

While both words suggest a lack of definite knowledge, "unclear" often refers to a lack of clarity or comprehensibility, whereas "uncertain" suggests a lack of predictability or confidence in an outcome. In most cases, they are interchangeable, but context can influence which is more appropriate.