remain

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "remain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that continues to exist, remain in the same place, condition, or position, or to indicate that something has not been changed or taken away. For example, "After the storm, some of the damage to the house remained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But problems remain.

The New York Times

Ministers may want to sweep these events under the carpet, but the scars of the dispute and the subsequent closure programme remain on the memories, communities and landscapes of all coalfield communities.

The Guardian

Their whereabouts remain unknown.

The Guardian

Relations remain strained, even as Uzbekistan serves as a transit hub for the Afghanistan military withdrawal.

The Guardian

Even so, the favourites for that category remain Kevin Spacey in American Beauty and Russell Crowe in The Insider.

The Guardian - Film

You shall remain liable for the fees although we may, at our discretion, refund you a proportion of the fees where we have been able to reallocate your place.

The Guardian

The chancellor reinforced this message with a call for Britain and Germany to remain "united and determined" in reforming the EU and promoting competitiveness.

The Guardian

"We remain disappointed with the past government and this government with the erosions in the aid budget," she said.

The Guardian

"We will propose a 'double majority' rule – meaning that unless England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each vote to leave the EU, as well as the UK as a whole, Britain would remain a member state".

The Guardian

While polls remain open please refrain from disclosing your voting choices.

The Guardian - Opinion

"For as long as God gives me life, I will remain in my place at the battle stations," he wrote.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remain" to denote a state of continuing existence or unchanged condition, especially when emphasizing persistence over time.

Common error

Avoid using "remain" as a transitive verb. It typically describes a state of being rather than an action performed on an object. For example, instead of saying "He remained silent the issue", say "He remained silent about the issue".

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "remain" is to act as an intransitive verb, indicating a state of continuing existence or unchanged condition. As Ludwig AI points out, this verb signifies that something has not been altered or removed, such as in the example "Their whereabouts remain unknown."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sport

8%

Opinion

6%

Less common in

Business

6%

Film

2%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "remain" is a versatile term used to express the continuation of a state, condition, or existence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news, sports, and opinion pieces. While synonyms like "stay" exist, "remain" often conveys a more lasting or formal tone. To use "remain" effectively, remember it's primarily an intransitive verb indicating a state of being, and avoid using it to describe direct actions. The insights provided here offer guidance on leveraging "remain" in your writing while avoiding common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay

Implies a shorter duration or a more temporary state of not leaving.

continue

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of an action or state.

persist

Emphasizes continuous existence despite challenges or opposition.

endure

Suggests a persistence over a longer period, often implying resilience.

stay on

Implies continuing in a position or location after others have left.

be left

Indicates being in a state or condition after a change.

abide

Implies compliance with a rule or acceptance of a situation.

tarry

Suggests a deliberate delay or lingering in a place.

rest

Indicates a state of being still or inactive.

belave

Archaic, meaning 'to stay' or 'to remain'.

FAQs

How can I use "remain" in a sentence?

You can use "remain" to indicate that something stays in the same place, condition, or state. For instance, "Despite the challenges, their commitment to the project "continues"".

What are some alternatives to the word "remain"?

Alternatives to "remain" include "stay", "persist", "continue", or "endure". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "remain" and "stay"?

"Remain" often implies a more permanent or lasting situation, while "stay" can suggest a temporary state. For example, "The impact of the decision will "be maintained" for years," versus "I will "stay" here until you return."

Which is more formal, "remain" or "stay"?

"Remain" tends to be more formal than "stay". In professional or academic writing, "remain" might be preferred, while "stay" is suitable for everyday conversation or less formal contexts.