remain neutral

USAGE SUMMARY

"remain neutral" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in situations where you don't want to take either side of an issue or conversation. For example, "Although my coworkers have opposing views on the issue, I prefer to remain neutral."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She must remain neutral.

The New York Times

"I will remain neutral".

The Guardian

In addition, label countries that remain neutral.

The New York Times

"I try to remain neutral," she said.

The New Yorker

I myself remain neutral on the subject.

The Guardian - Books

We remain neutral rated on Countrywide, Foxtons.

The Guardian - Business

Are there "bad guys" or does the author remain neutral?

University of California, Berkeley

Clegg is expected to remain neutral throughout the leadership contest.

The Guardian

Where the BBC must remain neutral, we take a view.

The Guardian

During the war, he urged Iraqis to remain neutral.

The New York Times

I tried to remain neutral about the idea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When acting as a mediator, use "remain neutral" to show impartiality and foster trust between parties.

Common error

Don't let "remain neutral" be perceived as indifference or apathy. Ensure your neutrality is understood as a conscious choice to be unbiased, not a lack of concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain neutral" functions primarily as a predicate adjective construction. It typically describes the state or condition of a subject, indicating that the subject is maintaining a position of impartiality or non-alignment. This is supported by Ludwig AI's affirmation of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

19%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remain neutral" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It signifies a commitment to impartiality and non-alignment, frequently appearing in contexts that value objectivity such as news, academia, and professional environments. While "remain neutral" suggests fairness, it is important to distinguish it from indifference; neutrality should be an active choice to avoid bias. Alternatives like ""stay impartial"" or ""not take sides"" may be suitable depending on the context. Understanding its proper use and implications ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not take sides

Emphasizes the avoidance of aligning with any particular party.

take no position

Emphasizes a deliberate decision not to adopt a specific viewpoint.

stay impartial

Focuses on avoiding bias or favoritism.

avoid partisanship

Stresses the rejection of biased allegiance.

keep an open mind

Highlights the willingness to consider different perspectives.

be objective

Highlights the importance of basing opinions on facts rather than feelings.

abstain from judgment

Suggests refraining from forming opinions or evaluations.

hold no opinion

Emphasizes a complete lack of bias or preference.

sit on the fence

Suggests indecision or unwillingness to commit to a position.

keep a distance

Focuses on avoiding involvement in a conflict or dispute.

FAQs

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

You can use "remain neutral" in sentences like, "It's important to "remain neutral" during a conflict to effectively mediate", or "The mediator pledged to "remain neutral" throughout the negotiation process".

What are some alternatives to "remain neutral"?

Some alternatives to "remain neutral" include "stay impartial", "not take sides", or "keep an open mind", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "remain neutral" or "remain objective"?

Both "remain neutral" and "remain objective" are valuable, but they emphasize different aspects. "Remain neutral" focuses on not favoring any side, while "remain objective" emphasizes basing opinions on facts. The best choice depends on the situation.

When is it inappropriate to "remain neutral"?

There are times when "remain neutral" is inappropriate, such as when witnessing injustice or unethical behavior. In such cases, taking a stand is often necessary.