it remains to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it remains to" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is a way of expressing that there is one more thing that needs to be done to complete the task. For example, "We have finished all the preparations; it remains to wait for the guests to arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In others, it remains to be seen.

The New York Times

And so it remains to this day.

The New York Times

"It remains to be shown".

The New York Times - Sports

It remains to consider the following question.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It remains to be seen somewhat.

The Guardian

Beyond that, it remains to be defined.

The New York Times

But it remains to be reached.

The New York Times

"Beyond that, it remains to be seen".

The New York Times

And it remains to deal with this 2pi.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And it remains to establish what this emergent is.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It remains to be seen".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it remains to" to introduce a final point or action needed for completeness, particularly in formal writing or academic papers to signal a concluding element.

Common error

Avoid using "it remains to" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "we still need to" or "we have yet to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it remains to" functions as an introductory phrase signaling that something still needs to be done or considered. As Ludwig AI highlights, this construction is commonly used to introduce the final step or a necessary action to complete a task or argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it remains to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, particularly in formal contexts such as scientific writing, news reporting, and academic discourse. As noted by Ludwig AI, it serves to introduce a final action, point, or step that is required for completeness. While highly appropriate in professional and academic settings, it should be used sparingly in casual conversation. When seeking alternatives, phrases like "what's left is to" or "the next step is to" can provide a similar meaning while maintaining a slightly less formal tone. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific publications and news media, making it a versatile tool for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's left is to

This alternative emphasizes the portion of work that is still outstanding.

the next step is to

This phrase directly indicates the subsequent action required.

it still needs to be

This alternative highlights the necessity of completing a certain action.

what is required now is to

This emphasizes current requirements.

the outstanding task is to

This highlights what remains to be completed from tasks already started.

all that's left is to

This implies a minimal amount of work left.

we still have to

This is a direct and simple alternative, indicating obligation.

it is still necessary to

This emphasizes the ongoing necessity of a specific action.

to be done is to

This option inverts the structure, focusing on the action itself.

the only thing left to do is

This stresses the singularity of remaining task.

FAQs

How can I use "it remains to" in a sentence?

Use "it remains to" to introduce an action that still needs to be done or a point that still needs consideration, typically in formal contexts. For example, "We have addressed the main issues; "it remains to" finalize the details".

What are some alternatives to "it remains to"?

You can use phrases like "what remains to be done", "the next step is", or "it still needs to be" as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it remains to" formal or informal?

"It remains to" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it remains to" and "it remains for"?

"It remains to" is followed by a verb in the infinitive form, indicating an action to be done (e.g., "it remains to be seen"). "It remains for" is followed by a person or group, indicating a responsibility (e.g., "it remains for the court to decide").