it remains unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

"it remains unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has not been proven or made clear. For example: "It remains unknown why the accident happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, it remains unknown how this affects long-term stability.

Electrochimica Acta

However, it remains unknown whether those inhibitors influence ALKBH5.

Nature

It remains unknown, however, how corticosteroids affect intertemporal choice.

Psychoneuroendocrinology

However, it remains unknown what makes searchers feel the difficulty.

Information Processing & Management

However, the evidence base for it remains unknown.

European Journal of Integrative Medicine

It remains unknown whether this conservation value can be sustained for centuries to millennia.

Stanford University

But it remains unknown whether the centrifuges at Yongbyon are operational.

The Washington Post

Because anthrax cases are so rare in developed countries, much about it remains unknown.

The New York Times

It remains unknown what, if any, his role in torture was during those years.

The Guardian

It remains unknown who built the shoe bomb, but investigators doubt it was Mr. Reid.

The New York Times

It remains unknown how many similar problematic mathematical terms exist in the theory.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it remains unknown" to introduce a point of uncertainty or a gap in current knowledge, signaling that further investigation is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "it remains unknown" excessively when speculating or hypothesizing. Instead, use phrases that indicate possibility or likelihood, rather than a complete lack of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it remains unknown" functions as an introductory clause or sentence fragment that highlights a gap in knowledge or understanding. It often sets the stage for further inquiry or investigation, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

20%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it remains unknown" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to introduce a point of uncertainty or a lack of knowledge. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for formal and scientific writing, signaling the need for further investigation or clarification. While widely used, avoid overuse in speculative contexts. Ludwig's analysis, based on a large dataset of examples, indicates that this phrase serves to emphasize a gap in knowledge and invite further inquiry. Its consistent usage across various authoritative sources contributes to its reliability and acceptance in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not yet known

Replaces "remains" with "is not yet", emphasizing that knowledge may be acquired in the future.

the answer is still unclear

Focuses on the lack of clarity surrounding a specific question or issue.

it is still uncertain

Replaces "unknown" with "uncertain", highlighting the speculative nature of the matter.

the facts are yet to be determined

Emphasizes that the objective truth has not been established.

it has not been determined

Highlights the absence of a definitive decision or conclusion.

the reasons are still obscure

Focuses on the opaqueness or ambiguity of the underlying causes.

the details are yet to emerge

Suggests that further information will eventually come to light.

no one knows for sure

Emphasizes the absence of reliable knowledge among any individuals.

the truth remains elusive

Highlights the difficulty in uncovering the truth.

the matter is unresolved

Indicates that the issue is still under consideration or investigation.

FAQs

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

Use "it remains unknown" to introduce a fact or situation for which there is currently no clear explanation or definitive answer. For example, "It remains unknown whether the new policy will be effective".

What are some alternatives to "it remains unknown"?

You can use alternatives like "it is not yet known", "the answer is still unclear", or "it is still uncertain" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "it is unknown" or "it remains unknown"?

"It is unknown" and "it remains unknown" are both grammatically correct, but "it remains unknown" suggests a situation where knowledge was previously expected or sought, while "it is unknown" is a more general statement about a lack of knowledge.

What is the difference between "it is unknown" and "it is not known"?

"It is unknown" and "it is not known" are largely interchangeable. "It is not known" might be slightly more emphatic, but in most contexts, the meaning is the same.