much remains uncertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much remains uncertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations, outcomes, or information that is not fully known or clear. Example: "Despite the progress made in the negotiations, much remains uncertain about the final agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Much remains uncertain.

The Guardian

In fact, much remains uncertain about North Korea's new missile.

The New York Times

But the disaster in Japan, experts say, presents a first-of-its-kind challenge, even if much remains uncertain.

The New York Times

He also points out how much remains uncertain about the extent of weighing errors at other airports.

The Guardian - Money

While much remains uncertain, it seems clear that those best suited to cope with this maelstrom will be free-market, democratic governments — and autocratic powerhouses such as China.

The New York Times

The disclosures raise startling questions about how much remains uncertain at the plant, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Still, there is much that remains uncertain.

The New York Times

Whether Carberry will play much more remains uncertain.

The Guardian - Sport

Much, however, remains uncertain for the troubled 1,600-member 1,600-member has traditionally drawn its power from the ability of tower crane operators — who control the movement of men and materials — to shunionwhichghasise constraditionallyects.

The New York Times

This is often a difficult task, and much more remains uncertain than what is known.

SEP

Speaking to him partially unravels the enigma, although much still remains uncertain: "I usually start a piece by following my personal emotions and by asking myself a serious of questions regarding how these motions can influence space," Sol tells The Creators Project.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "much remains uncertain" when you want to acknowledge that the full picture is not yet clear, often implying that further investigation or time is needed for clarification. This phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, adding a touch of understatement to the expression of uncertainty.

Common error

While grammatically sound, avoid using "much remains uncertain" in very informal settings. Simpler phrases like "we don't know yet" or "it's not clear" are often more appropriate and natural in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much remains uncertain" functions as a hedge, indicating a lack of complete knowledge or clarity. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to acknowledge unknowns or ambiguities within a given context. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various situations, from political forecasts to scientific studies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "much remains uncertain" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for indicating that aspects of a situation are not yet fully known or clear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a hedge, expressing caution or reservation. While most frequently encountered in news and scientific contexts, it is generally appropriate for formal and neutral registers. Though it is not overly common, the phrase conveys a level of sophistication and understatement, signaling that further exploration or time is needed for complete understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

many things are still unclear

Replaces "much" with "many things" and "remains uncertain" with "are still unclear", simplifying the language.

a lot is yet to be determined

Substitutes "much" with "a lot" and "remains uncertain" with "is yet to be determined", emphasizing the aspect of future resolution.

there is a lack of definitive information

Emphasizes the absence of conclusive information as the root cause of uncertainty.

considerable ambiguity persists

Uses more formal vocabulary like "considerable ambiguity" and "persists", increasing the formality.

the future is far from certain

Focuses specifically on the uncertainty of future events or outcomes.

significant unknowns exist

Replaces common words with more formal equivalents, like "unknowns" for "uncertainties".

many questions are still unanswered

Highlights the lack of answers as the primary source of uncertainty.

the situation is still up in the air

Employs an idiomatic expression to convey uncertainty about the outcome or resolution.

the outcome is unpredictable

Shifts the focus to the inability to predict the result or consequences.

the details are still hazy

Uses the metaphor of haziness to describe the lack of clarity in the details.

FAQs

How can I use "much remains uncertain" in a sentence?

You can use "much remains uncertain" to indicate that there are aspects of a situation that are not yet clear or known. For example, "Although progress has been made, "much remains uncertain" about the long-term effects of the policy."

What are some alternatives to "much remains uncertain"?

Alternatives include phrases like "many things are still unclear", "a lot is yet to be determined", or "considerable ambiguity persists", depending on the desired tone and context.

Is it better to say "much remains uncertain" or "much is uncertain"?

"Much remains uncertain" is generally preferred in more formal writing as it carries a slightly stronger sense of ongoing uncertainty. "Much is uncertain" is also correct, but can sound less emphatic.

In what kind of writing is "much remains uncertain" most appropriate?

This phrase is most appropriate in formal and neutral writing, such as academic papers, news reports, and business communications. It's suitable when you want to acknowledge uncertainty without sounding overly alarmed or negative.