remain poorly understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remain poorly understood" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is complex and not widely understood. For example, "Many aspects of quantum mechanics remain poorly understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Stanford University

Its neural mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Princeton University

However, its mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

However, the pathways involved remain poorly understood.

Clinical Biochemistry

The molecular determinants of release kinetics remain poorly understood.

Harvard University

and differentiation of human HSCs remain poorly understood.

Stanford University

Background: The neurological complications of HIV infection remain poorly understood.

Harvard University

Radiation defects in oxides are complex and remain poorly understood.

Acta Materialia

However, the molecular mechanisms underlying liver carcinogenesis remain poorly understood.

Nature

However, the mechanisms that orchestrate the balance remain poorly understood.

Nature

However, the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma differentiation remain poorly understood.

FEBS Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remain poorly understood" to accurately describe areas where knowledge is limited and further research is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "remain poorly understood" when there is already a substantial body of knowledge. Instead, use more nuanced language to describe the specific gaps in understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain poorly understood" functions as a descriptive modifier, often acting as a predicate adjective following a linking verb (e.g., "remain", "are"). It characterizes a subject by indicating a state of incomplete or inadequate comprehension. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered correct and apt for expressing the lack of complete knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

Academia

30%

News & Media

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remain poorly understood" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, particularly in scientific and academic writing, to express that a topic is not yet fully comprehended. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for accurately conveying the limitations of current knowledge and signaling the need for further investigation. While highly prevalent in science and academia, its formality makes it less common in informal or business contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the existing knowledge is indeed limited and that the phrase accurately reflects the state of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not well understood

Focuses on the state of understanding rather than the process of remaining misunderstood.

are not fully understood

Emphasizes the incompleteness of understanding rather than a lack of understanding.

lack a clear understanding

Shifts the focus to the absence of a clear comprehension.

are shrouded in mystery

Uses a more figurative expression to describe something that is not easily understood.

are not clearly elucidated

Replaces 'understood' with 'elucidated', suggesting something is not made clear or explained well.

present significant gaps in knowledge

Highlights the missing information rather than the lack of comprehension.

are subject to ongoing research

Suggests that the topic is still being investigated due to incomplete understanding.

defy easy explanation

Implies that something is difficult to explain due to a lack of understanding.

are an enigma

Uses a more literary term to describe something mysterious and difficult to understand.

are still a matter of debate

Indicates that there is no consensus due to a lack of complete understanding.

FAQs

What does "remain poorly understood" mean?

The phrase "remain poorly understood" indicates that a particular subject, concept, or phenomenon is not yet fully or adequately comprehended. It suggests there are significant gaps in our knowledge or understanding of it.

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

You can use "remain poorly understood" to describe topics where further research or investigation is needed. For instance, "The mechanisms underlying this disease "remain poorly understood"."

What are some alternatives to saying "remain poorly understood"?

Alternatives include "are not well understood", "are not fully understood", "lack a clear understanding", or "are shrouded in mystery", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "remain poorly understood" in formal writing?

Yes, "remain poorly understood" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or scientific contexts. It accurately conveys the limitations of current knowledge and the need for further investigation.