Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
not currently known
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "not currently known" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or details that are unknown at the present time. Example: "The cause of the phenomenon is not currently known, but researchers are investigating various possibilities."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
Mr Hadi's whereabouts are not currently known.
News & Media
Best practices to design such resources are not currently known.
Science
It is not currently known how this compares with resits in other years.
News & Media
However, it is not currently known whether such a trend exists in the kidney transplantation population.
Nevertheless, how accurate these perceived privacy expectations are against actual user expectations is not currently known.
Science
The exact nature of the dipole interaction between CO and clathrate cages is not currently known.
Science & Research
The EPA's brief on the material says: "Its long term behavior in the environment is not currently known".
News & Media
"The cause of the incident is not currently known but we are studying the security reports and available images.
News & Media
It is not currently known, however, whether pain intensity reported during the standing paradigm is related to psychologic factors.
Science
It is not currently known how to construct systems with these properties from the weaker notion of indistinguishability obfuscation.
Academia
It is not currently known whether Aitboulahcen had a role in the killing of 129 people in Paris last weekend.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "not currently known" to acknowledge gaps in understanding while implying ongoing investigation or the potential for future discovery.
Common error
Avoid using "not currently known" when the information is definitively disproven or when sufficient evidence exists to suggest a strong conclusion. Be sure that there's a real absence of knowledge, not just a personal lack of awareness.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "not currently known" functions as an epistemic modifier, indicating a state of uncertainty or lack of knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. It modifies a statement by expressing that certain information or details are not available or understood at the present time, as highlighted by the many examples Ludwig provides.
Frequent in
Science
57%
News & Media
29%
Academia
10%
Less common in
Wiki
3%
Formal & Business
1%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "not currently known" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge a lack of information or understanding at the present time. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. Its frequent occurrence across diverse fields such as science, news, and academia makes it a valuable expression for conveying uncertainty and setting the stage for further investigation. While it maintains a neutral-to-formal tone, it is essential to avoid overstating uncertainty and ensure that its usage aligns with the actual state of knowledge. By offering alternative phrases and usage guidelines, Ludwig equips writers to effectively communicate the limits of current understanding while maintaining clarity and precision.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
not yet known
Emphasizes the possibility of future discovery, differing slightly in temporal focus.
currently unknown
Slightly more concise, focusing on the present state of knowledge.
remains unknown
Highlights the persistence of the lack of knowledge.
not presently known
Uses a slightly more formal synonym for "currently".
is not known at this time
Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the lack of knowledge.
is yet to be determined
Focuses on the need for future investigation to find an answer.
the answer is not available
Directly states the absence of an answer.
information is lacking
Highlights the absence of necessary information.
the details are unclear
Suggests vagueness or ambiguity in the available information.
unresolved question
Framing as a problem that needs to be solved.
FAQs
How can I use "not currently known" in a sentence?
You can use "not currently known" to indicate that information is unavailable at the present time. For example, "The long-term effects of this medication are "not currently known"."
What's a more formal way to say "not currently known"?
A more formal alternative could be "not presently known". This option retains the meaning while using slightly elevated language.
What can I say instead of "not currently known" to emphasize future discovery?
To highlight the possibility of future discovery, use "not yet known" or "remains unknown", suggesting that the information may become available later.
Is it appropriate to use "not currently known" in academic writing?
Yes, "not currently known" is perfectly appropriate in academic writing to acknowledge limitations in current research or understanding. It demonstrates awareness of the existing knowledge gap and can justify further investigation.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested