remain in use

USAGE SUMMARY

"remain in use" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that continues to be used or active. For example, "These tools have remained in use for over a hundred years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The name Chohung will remain in use.

The Economist

Many remain in use as tourist attractions.

The New York Times

Their beds, seats and bathtubs remain in use.

Independent

A large number of dugout canoe types remain in use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lunar calendars remain in use among certain religious groups today.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Eagle County district attorney, Mark D. Hurlbert, argued that "victim" must remain in use.

The New York Times

Our Web site and phone lines will remain in use until the end of October.

The New York Times

Kikongo-derived words like ngombe (cattle) and ngubá (peanut) remain in use here today.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, Haas's versions were widely performed, and remain in use today.

The New Yorker

The original entrance will remain in use but may be upstaged.

The New York Times - Arts

CCS is seen as vital if fossil fuels are to remain in use in coming decades.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remain in use" when indicating that something continues to be utilized, especially after a period of change or potential obsolescence. This phrase is useful in technical, historical, or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "remain in use" in everyday conversation. Simpler alternatives like "still working" or "still being used" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain in use" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of continuation. It signifies that something continues to be utilized or operational. Ludwig AI affirms its usability, showcasing numerous examples across diverse sources where it effectively conveys continued function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remain in use" effectively communicates the continued utilization or operational status of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread usage across diverse sources, including news outlets, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Its grammatical correctness and frequency make it a reliable choice for expressing continuity, particularly in formal or technical contexts. While simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversation, "remain in use" adds a touch of formality and precision when needed. Be mindful of the subject-verb agreement, using "remains in use" for singular subjects and "remain in use" for plural subjects. Remember that you can use alternatives such as "continue to be used", "stay in service", and "be still operational", depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to be used

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of usage, focusing on the action of using.

stay in service

Highlights the active and functional state of something.

be still operational

Emphasizes the current state of being functional.

continue its function

Emphasizes the continuity of the action.

persist in application

Implies a more formal and continuous use, often against potential challenges.

be kept active

Focuses on the effort to maintain something's operational status.

be retained for use

Highlights the deliberate act of keeping something available for future use.

be maintained in operation

Focuses on the ongoing maintenance required to keep something functional.

endure in function

Suggests longevity and continued effectiveness over time.

be preserved for utilization

Implies a careful and intentional preservation for future purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "remain in use" in a sentence?

You can use "remain in use" to indicate that something continues to be utilized. For example, "Despite the introduction of newer technologies, some older machines "remain in use" in rural areas."

What are some alternatives to "remain in use"?

Alternatives include "continue to be used", "stay in service", or "be still operational", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "remains in use" instead of "remain in use"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "remains in use" for singular subjects (e.g., "The original design remains in use") and "remain in use" for plural subjects (e.g., "These methods remain in use").

What's the difference between "remain in use" and "still in use"?

"Remain in use" often implies a sense of persistence or continuation despite potential changes, whereas "still in use" simply indicates that something is currently being used. For example, 'The older models "remain in use" because upgrading is expensive' suggests continued use despite alternatives, while 'The older models are "still in use"' simply states their current use.