it remained unopened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it remained unopened" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object, typically a letter or package, that has not been opened or accessed. Example: "Despite the anticipation, the letter from the publisher remained unopened on the table for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There it remained, unopened, until the small publishing house folded.

The Guardian - Books

For months it remained unopened in her office.

The New York Times

A bullet was fired into the safe, but it remained unopened.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I can't recall whether Kenny kept eye contact or not, but I am sure he didn't say: "If not now, perhaps next time" - and I know for a fact that he didn't hand the script back, as it had remained unopened on the table.

The Guardian

It was not clear how long the package had remained, unopened, in the mailroom, and therefore whether the sender had expected it to be opened after the massacre – or whether it could have been found sooner and the atrocity prevented.

Independent

The envelope remained unopened in the office of the worker to whom it was addressed while she was away for a week, Dan Leach, a Microsoft spokesman, said.

The New York Times

The crates remained unopened until last February, when the Smithsonian became aware of the collection and had it examined by two experts, Milo Beach, assistant director of the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, and Glenn Lowry, curator of Near Eastern Art for the Center for Asian Art.

The New York Times - Arts

Inside, the notebook remained unopened, and her questions remained unanswered.

Independent

The Champagne remained unopened as the players left the clubhouse.

The New York Times - Sports

One that has remained unopened is Har Har Tickled Vegetables.

The New York Times - Food

A bottle of champagne, to celebrate the new issue, remained unopened on a desk.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it remained unopened" to emphasize a state of preservation or neglect. For example, "The letter "it remained unopened" for years, a symbol of unresolved issues."

Common error

Avoid using "it remained unopened" when a more direct active voice construction would be clearer. For instance, instead of "The package it remained unopened by the recipient", try "The recipient never opened the package".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it remained unopened" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the state of an object that has not been opened. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It often modifies a noun, providing information about its condition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it remained unopened" is grammatically sound and serves to describe the state of something that has not been accessed or opened. Ludwig AI indicates that it's usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including news articles, scientific publications, and general knowledge resources. Ludwig’s analysis reveals the phrase is particularly useful for emphasizing either neglect or a state of preservation, depending on the surrounding context. When writing, be mindful of context and audience to ensure the phrase effectively communicates the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was not opened

A simpler, more direct way of saying the same thing.

it stayed sealed

Focuses on the physical state of being closed or fastened.

it was kept closed

Focuses on the action of maintaining closure.

it was left untouched

Emphasizes the lack of interaction or handling.

it remained untouched

Highlights lack of physical interaction.

it was not accessed

Emphasizes the lack of gaining entry or use.

it remained unsealed

Highlights the absence of breaking a seal.

it wasn't disturbed

Emphasizes the lack of interruption or alteration.

it remained intact

Highlights the undamaged or unaltered state.

it was preserved

Emphasizes the act of keeping something in its original condition.

FAQs

What does "it remained unopened" mean?

The phrase "it remained unopened" means that something was not opened or accessed. It implies that the item stayed in its original, sealed state.

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

You can use alternatives like "it stayed sealed", "it was left untouched", or "it was not opened" depending on the context.

Is "it remained unopened" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "it remained unopened" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules.

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

You can use "it remained unopened" to describe an item that has not been opened or accessed. For example: "Despite the anticipation, the letter "it remained unopened" on the table for weeks."