remain open

USAGE SUMMARY

"remain open" is a valid and correct phrase in written English.
You could use it when discussing something that has yet to be determined, or when discussing a business or location that is still available. For example, "We are still deciding our budget for the upcoming year, so the options remain open."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"All issues remain open".

The New York Times

"ABEA will remain open.

The New York Times

Both programs remain open.

The New York Times

All remain open questions.

The New York Times - Sports

Borders remain open.

The Economist

The cases remain open.

The New York Times

(Both cases remain open).

The New York Times

The terminals remain open.

The Guardian

Some remain open investigations.

The Guardian

The majority remain open.

The Guardian

Our telephone lines remain open".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "remain open" to describe ongoing discussions or negotiations, ensure the context clearly indicates the specific issues or options that are still being considered.

Common error

Avoid using "remain open" excessively in passive voice constructions, which can make your writing sound weak. Instead, opt for active voice where possible to create a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain open" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes a state of being available, undecided, or operational. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it indicates that a condition or possibility has not yet been resolved or concluded. Ludwig AI indicates that "remain open" is valid and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remain open" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something continues to be available, undecided, or operational. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and Ludwig examples highlight its usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While grammatically sound, overuse in passive constructions should be avoided for stronger writing. Related phrases like "stay open" and "are still available" offer similar meanings. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay open

Uses a more direct synonym for "remain", indicating a continued state of being open.

continue to operate

Focuses on the functional aspect of staying open, particularly in business or organizational contexts.

are still available

Emphasizes the availability or accessibility aspect of something remaining open.

are yet to be decided

Shifts the focus to unresolved issues or decisions that "remain open" for consideration.

are still pending

Implies a waiting period or unresolved state, often used in legal or procedural contexts.

are not yet closed

Highlights the lack of closure or finality, suitable for discussions or investigations.

are up for grabs

Suggests that opportunities or positions are still available and competitive.

are still on the table

Indicates that ideas or proposals are still being considered.

are under consideration

Focuses on the process of evaluation and deliberation.

are subject to change

Emphasizes the possibility of future alterations or modifications.

FAQs

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

You can use "remain open" to indicate that something is still available, undecided, or in operation. For example, "The position will "remain open" until filled" or "All options "remain open" until the final decision is made".

What are some alternatives to saying "remain open"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "stay open", "continue to operate", or "are still available".

Is it correct to say "remains open" instead of "remain open"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "remain open" for plural subjects (e.g., "The investigations remain open") and "remains open" for singular subjects (e.g., "The investigation remains open").

What is the difference between "remain open" and "stay open"?

While both phrases are similar, "stay open" is generally more informal and emphasizes a continuous state of being open, whereas ""remain open"" can imply a more formal or prolonged state.