it remains to define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it remains to define" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that a definition or clarification is still needed or pending in a discussion or analysis. Example: "After outlining the main concepts, it remains to define the key terms that will be used throughout the paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It remains to define the likelihood of the DOA estimates under the hypothesis (mathcal {H}_{i}).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Having defined PJT, it remains to define the communication between neighboring cliques.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Now that each input channel has been analyzed and associated with a filter, it remains to define a mapping which results in the panning position of each output channel.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

But it remains to define who is a cosmopolite.

Huffington Post

It remains to define an algorithm to identify a minimum-cost SD + CD path between two configurations, which we denote s and t.

Bioinformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It then only remains to define the range within which a reasonable answer might lie.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

The Hitchcock model for P is based on the following variables (see Fig. 2): Open image in new window Then (also by conditions (1) and (2)) one has: Open image in new window (3) Open image in new window (4) Open image in new window (5 It remains to define the costs cii′jj′.

European Transport Research Review

Beyond that, it remains to be defined.

The New York Times

It remains to be defined how type I IFNs regulate innate immune clearance of adenoviral vectors.

Molecular Therapy

Identification of this engine may provide a potential new therapeutic target in the treatment of liver cancer, although it remains to be defined what happens to CKI-ε upon TGF-β stimulation.

Protein & Cell

It remains to be defined how exactly the transcriptional activation of the hTERT gene occurs during the oncogenic process.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it remains to define", ensure that the context clearly indicates what needs to be defined. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the subject that requires further definition or clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "it remains to define" without specifying what 'it' refers to. A common mistake is assuming the reader knows the subject, leading to confusion. Always clarify the subject to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it remains to define" functions as an introductory infinitive phrase that sets the stage for a subsequent definition or clarification. It indicates that a specific aspect or term requires further explanation. Ludwig examples show this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it remains to define" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves as an introductory phrase indicating the need for a subsequent definition or clarification, typically found in formal and scientific writing, and to a lesser extent in news contexts. While not exceedingly common, its precise function and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for analytical and structured communication. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject requiring definition is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "it is still necessary to define" or "we still have to define" offer alternative ways to express the same concept with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is still necessary to define

Replaces "remains" with "is still necessary", emphasizing the ongoing requirement for definition.

it is yet to be defined

Emphasizes the futurity of the definition process using "yet to be".

we still have to define

Shifts the focus to the actor and uses a more informal tone.

we must define this further

Highlights the obligation to define something.

the definition is still pending

Highlights that the definition is incomplete or not yet established.

further definition is needed

Highlights that more definition is needed.

the next step is to define

Highlights that definition is the logical following step.

clarification is still required

Emphasizes the need for further clarification on a topic.

specification is still lacking

Focuses on the absence of specific details.

the exact meaning requires further elaboration

Suggests that the present definition is vague and requires more detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "it remains to define" to introduce an element that requires further clarification or specification. For example: "After outlining the project's goals, "it remains to define" the specific roles of each team member".

What are some alternatives to "it remains to define"?

Alternatives include "it is necessary to define", "we still have to define", or "the definition is still pending", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is "it remains to define" formal or informal?

"It remains to define" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic writing. More informal contexts might benefit from using phrases like "we still have to define".

What's the difference between "it remains to define" and "it remains to be seen"?

"It remains to define" implies a task of clarification is still pending, while "it remains to be seen" suggests uncertainty about a future outcome. The former involves defining something, the latter involves observing how something unfolds.