remain to be explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remain to be explained" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used when there are still unclear or unresolved aspects of a topic that need further explanation. Example: "The results of the experiment were unexpected and intriguing, but some of the findings remain to be explained. Further research will be needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

While it is true that those dark details remain to be explained, he said, "I tend to think of this more as a problem for fundamental physicists, and less for me".

The New York Times - Science

Yet, the clear mechanisms remain to be explained.

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

Although such data may be jointly classified according to soil and bedrock types, variable attenuation levels in the signal levels remain to be explained.

Geoderma

In regard to non-nutritive swallowing, the absence of swallowing activity during apneas in periodic breathing during quiet sleep as well as the presence of bursts of swallows with apneas in active sleep remain to be explained.

Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology

Field investigations of the fault zones associated with ancient earthquakes (e.g., Additional file 1: Fig. S1 from Ramsay and Huber, 1983, and Additional file 1: Fig. S2 from Hobbs and Ord, 2015) exhibit similar ductile deformation features, but these features remain to be explained dynamically because most previous simulations of earthquake dynamics considered Newtonian materials.

Earth, Planets and Space

The evolutionary origin and functional consequences of these cerebral asymmetries remain to be explained.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Period doubling of the oscillation and other phenomena that were observed experimentally and remained to be explained have been produced by the refined model.

Polymer

However, some limited evidence was found indicating that total knowledge (cognitive and social) might partially explain the effect but there was significant variability remaining to be explained.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

In contrast, lack of PMN recruitment in MyD88-deficient mice resulted in lower bacterial load of infected lungs, although the underlying mechanisms for enhanced chlamydial progeny and dissemination in the presence of PMN remained to be explained [19].

Plosone

The excess risk remaining to be explained becomes not significant (Table  3).

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Only a small proportion remained to be explained by biological differences, manifested as length bias or overdiagnosis.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "remain to be explained", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific aspects are still unclear. Be precise in identifying the gaps in understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "remain to be explained" in situations where it's obvious that something is unknown. Use it when there's a specific reason why the explanation is lacking or when you want to emphasize the need for further investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain to be explained" functions as a verbal phrase that signifies that certain aspects or details of a subject are still not fully understood or accounted for. This usage is supported by Ludwig's examples which highlights its common usage in describing unresolved aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remain to be explained" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that certain aspects of a topic are not yet fully understood. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is frequently found in scientific and academic contexts, signaling a need for further investigation. When writing, precision is key: clarify what exactly "remain to be explained" and avoid vagueness. While other phrases like "yet to be fully understood" or "still needs clarification" can serve as alternatives, "remain to be explained" is particularly useful when emphasizing unresolved complexities requiring investigation. Mastering the use of this phrase will add precision to your writing, specifically in academic and scientific fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet to be fully understood

Focuses on the lack of complete understanding rather than the need for explanation.

still needs clarification

Replaces "remain to be explained" with a more direct statement about the need for clarification.

requires further elucidation

Uses a more formal term for explanation, "elucidation".

further investigation is required

Indicates the necessity for more research.

the reasons are not yet clear

Directly states the lack of clarity regarding the reasons behind something.

outstanding questions persist

Highlights the persistence of unanswered questions.

mechanisms are still unknown

Specifically points out that the underlying mechanisms are not yet known.

unresolved issues linger

Emphasizes the lingering nature of the unresolved issues.

the etiology is uncertain

Highlights the uncertainty of the cause or origin.

a mystery endures

Emphasizes the enduring nature of the mystery.

FAQs

How can I use "remain to be explained" in a sentence?

Use "remain to be explained" to indicate that certain aspects of a phenomenon or situation are not yet fully understood. For example, "The causes of the disease "remain to be explained", requiring further research".

What phrases are similar to "remain to be explained"?

Similar phrases include "still needs clarification", "yet to be fully understood", and "further investigation is required". The choice depends on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

What's the difference between "remain to be explained" and "remains to be explained"?

"Remain to be explained" is used when referring to multiple aspects or factors. "Remains to be explained" is used when referring to a singular aspect. For example, "Several key factors "remain to be explained"", versus "The primary cause "remains to be explained"".

Is it better to use "remain to be explained" or "needs to be explained"?

"Remain to be explained" implies a more persistent or complex lack of understanding, often in a research or investigative context. "Needs to be explained" is more general. Use ""remain to be explained"" when the issue is multifaceted or has resisted previous attempts at explanation.