mystery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mystery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is difficult to understand or explain, often involving an element of intrigue or enigma. Example: "The disappearance of the ancient artifact remains a mystery that has puzzled historians for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Before homogenization, when there was mystery, before aggregation, when the original had value, before digital, when there was vinyl, before Made in China, when there was Mao, before stress management, when there was romance, we had the impression we were doing all right.

The New York Times

Observing Kennedy at close quarters did not help to solve the mystery.

The Guardian - Opinion

About how the United States turned swathes of the desert radioactive during the cold war and denied it, bequeathing a medical mystery which to this day haunts Hollywood and rural Mormon communities and raises a thorny question: how much should you trust the government?

The Guardian - Film

A century and a half later — and nearly a decade and a half after the sub was raised – just why the Hunley and its eight-man crew never returned is a mystery, albeit one that scientists may be closer to resolving.

The Guardian

I am curious to find out how the mystery ends, but I wouldn't break your neck trying to add this one to the queue.

The Guardian

I can't claim to have the answer for all but, for me, it is the mystery of the dinosaurs that draws me to them.

The Guardian - Opinion

For these men, Carole's life is as much a mystery as her death.

The Guardian

The author has very cleverly hidden clues in the story and let us to solve the mystery as well.

The Guardian

Other Banksy works spotted in Gaza after the mystery visit were a mural of a playful kitten and another of children swinging from a military watchtower.

The Guardian

In particular, the introductions to both parts betray a much more generous sense of lyricism, enveloped in a palpable sense of mystery.

The Guardian - Music

The Luminaries is a similarly involving read – like a Wilkie Collins mystery set against the New Zealand gold rush – which slowly reveals a complex structure raising questions about fate, free will and the human search for meaning.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mystery", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to something unknown, a genre of fiction, or a religious concept.

Common error

Avoid using "mystery" interchangeably with words like "secret" or "enigma" without considering the specific nuance each word carries. "Secret" implies intentional concealment, while "mystery" emphasizes the lack of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mystery" is as a noun, referring to something that is difficult to understand or explain. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where "mystery" acts as the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting its role in conveying uncertainty or intrigue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mystery" functions primarily as a noun, denoting something unknown or difficult to explain. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and very common usage, primarily within News & Media contexts. Related terms include "enigma" and "puzzle", offering nuanced alternatives for expressing uncertainty. When using "mystery", ensure the context is clear, and avoid confusing it with words that imply intentional concealment, such as "secret". The linguistic analysis underscores its neutral register and wide applicability in sparking curiosity and acknowledging the unknown.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enigma

A more formal and literary synonym for something puzzling.

puzzle

Emphasizes the challenging aspect of understanding something.

riddle

Implies a question or statement phrased to require ingenuity in discovering its answer or meaning.

conundrum

A complex and difficult problem.

secret

Highlights the hidden or concealed nature of something.

unsolved problem

Focuses on the lack of a solution or explanation.

unexplained phenomenon

Specifically refers to events or occurrences without a clear cause.

open question

Suggests that the matter is still under investigation or consideration.

uncharted territory

Metaphorically describes an area of knowledge or understanding that is unexplored.

inexplicable event

Highlights the inability to provide a rational explanation for something.

FAQs

How can I use "mystery" in a sentence?

You can use "mystery" to describe something unknown or difficult to explain. For example: "The cause of the illness remains a "mystery"."

What are some synonyms for "mystery"?

Alternatives include "enigma", "puzzle", or "conundrum", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the mystery is solved"?

Yes, it is correct. This phrase indicates that an unknown situation has been clarified. You can also say "the "puzzle" is solved" or "the "enigma" is resolved".

What is the difference between "mystery" and "secret"?

"Mystery" refers to something unknown or difficult to understand, while "secret" implies something intentionally hidden. A "secret" can be the key to solving a "mystery".