not yet known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not yet known" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing something that is not yet known or understood, such as the outcome of an experiment or situation. For example: The effects of the new drug on the patient are not yet known.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What is not yet known?

The New York Times

Tilley" is not yet known.

Princeton University

A. That is not yet known.

The New York Times

A motive is not yet known.

The New York Times

The molecular mechanisms are not yet known.

Redox Biology

The results are not yet known.

The New York Times

Funeral arrangements were not yet known.

The New York Times

The exact cause is not yet known.

The New York Times - Arts

The actual number is not yet known.

The New York Times

The exact motive is not yet known.

The Guardian

The cause was not yet known.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not yet known" to acknowledge a gap in current understanding or to indicate that information is forthcoming. It's suitable for academic, professional, and general contexts where uncertainty needs to be conveyed.

Common error

While "not yet known" is often used in the passive voice, avoid overusing passive constructions throughout your writing. Ensure clarity and conciseness by actively stating who or what is responsible when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not yet known" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is currently uncertain or undiscovered. It describes the state of lacking information at the present time. As Ludwig AI describes, is a common and usable part of a sentence in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

50%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not yet known" is a common and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to express that information about something is currently unavailable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its prevalence across diverse contexts—including News & Media, Science, and Academia—underscores its broad applicability in professional communication. While alternatives like "currently unknown" and "remains to be seen" offer nuanced variations, "not yet known" effectively conveys a temporary state of uncertainty. When using this phrase, remember to avoid overusing passive voice for clearer and more direct writing. Overall, understanding its function, purpose, and suitable register enables effective use of "not yet known" to accurately represent informational gaps.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently unknown

Replaces "not yet" with "currently", emphasizing the present state of being unknown.

remains to be seen

Shifts the focus to the future, implying that the information will be revealed later.

still undetermined

Emphasizes the lack of a decision or conclusion.

unclear at this time

Adds a temporal element, suggesting the uncertainty is specific to the present.

not yet established

Implies a need for confirmation or validation.

subject to further investigation

Highlights the ongoing process of discovery.

under investigation

Focuses on the active inquiry into the matter.

the answer is unknown

Directly states the lack of an answer.

awaiting further data

Indicates that the information is dependent on future data collection.

more research is needed

Highlights the necessity for additional studies to uncover the answer.

FAQs

How can I use "not yet known" in a sentence?

You can use "not yet known" to indicate that certain information is currently unavailable, as in, "The long-term effects of the treatment are "not yet known"".

What are some alternatives to "not yet known"?

Alternatives include "currently unknown", "remains to be seen", or "still undetermined", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not known yet" or "not yet known"?

"Not yet known" is the more common and natural-sounding phrasing in most contexts. "Not known yet" isn't grammatically incorrect, but less frequently used.

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

"Unknown" implies a general lack of knowledge, while "not yet known" suggests that the information may become available in the future. The latter indicates a temporary state of uncertainty.