one question remains

USAGE SUMMARY

"one question remains" is a perfectly acceptable sentence in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that, although much of the problem/discussion has been resolved, there is one point that has yet to be addressed. For example: "We have successfully answered all of the customer's concerns, except for one question remains: How can we guarantee that our product will meet their needs?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Having chosen your shiny new driverless car, only one question remains on the order form: in what circumstances should your spangly, futuristic vehicle be willing to kill you?

The Guardian

Now only one question remains: can she repeat the feat on Oscar night?

The Guardian - Film

Subsequently, one question remains to be answered: Can we rely on the measurements of renal function made in the initial dabigatran pharmacokinetic studies?

BMJ Open

One question remains unanswered.

The Guardian

One question remains.

The New York Times - Sports

Only one question remains.

The Guardian - Music

Still, at least one question remains.

The Washington Post

Amid all this chaos, one question remains.

The Guardian

One question remains: Where are the Chinese brands?

The New York Times

It looks magnificent, but one question remains: who painted it?

The Guardian

For now, one question remains: Which bridge will be built?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one question remains" to clearly signal that you are focusing on the final, key unresolved aspect of a discussion or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "one question remains" for trivial situations. Reserve it for contexts where a significant discussion has occurred, and a crucial point is still unresolved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one question remains" functions as an introductory phrase signaling a transition to a final, unresolved point. It highlights that while much may be settled, a significant inquiry persists. As Ludwig suggests, the phrase often introduces a crucial point following extensive discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

17%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Lifestyle

2%

Sports

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one question remains" is a frequently used phrase that serves to highlight a final, unresolved point following a discussion or analysis. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Predominantly found in news and media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including academic and business settings. When using the phrase, ensure it introduces a significant unresolved issue to maximize its impact. Alternatives like ""one issue lingers"" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one issue lingers

Emphasizes the persistent nature of the unresolved issue.

the central question persists

Highlights the importance of the remaining question.

a key inquiry endures

Focuses on the enduring nature of the essential question.

one point is still unresolved

Directly states that a specific element has not been settled.

the problem is still open

Indicates the problem needs an answer.

an enigma continues

Suggests a more mysterious or complex question remains.

the puzzle is yet to be solved

Implies a problem needing careful thought.

the answer eludes us

Focuses on the difficulty of finding the answer.

the mystery endures

Suggests the unresolved question is intriguing and potentially complex.

a query is outstanding

A formal way of indicating a question is still pending.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "one question remains"?

Alternatives include "one issue lingers", "the central question persists", or "a key inquiry endures", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the question remains"?

Yes, "the question remains" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "one question remains". It is suitable when the context has already established that you are referring to a specific question.

When is it appropriate to use "one question remains" in writing?

Use "one question remains" when you want to emphasize that after a thorough discussion or analysis, a single, important question is still unanswered or unresolved.

What is the difference between "one question remains" and "a question remains"?

"One question remains" implies that specifically one issue is left after others were addressed, while "a question remains" simply indicates that there are unresolved issues without emphasizing that only one is outstanding.