remain uncertain

USAGE SUMMARY

"remain uncertain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you are talking about a situation that has not yet been resolved and is still unknown. For example, "The outcome of the election will remain uncertain until all the votes are counted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its origins remain uncertain.

The New Yorker

Here, too, we remain uncertain.

The New York Times - Arts

But many more remain uncertain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Television appearances, too, remain uncertain.

The New York Times - Arts

Lancashire's plans therefore remain uncertain.

The Guardian - Sport

The specifics, it was clear, remain uncertain.

The New York Times - Sports

The brothers remain uncertain about the future.

The New York Times

The prospects for energy policy remain uncertain.

The New York Times

The measure's prospects, however, remain uncertain.

The New York Times

What motivated Barrie will always remain uncertain.

The Guardian - Books

For now, those ramifications remain uncertain.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remain uncertain" when you want to indicate that a situation or outcome is not yet clear or determined. It suggests an ongoing state of ambiguity or lack of resolution.

Common error

While "remain uncertain" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal writing can make your tone seem passive. Consider stronger verbs or more direct statements if the situation warrants a more assertive voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain uncertain" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective. It connects the subject to a state of being unclear or unresolved. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remain uncertain" is a versatile expression used to indicate a lack of clarity or resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "stay unresolved" or "be up in the air" can offer different nuances, "remain uncertain" provides a straightforward way to convey ambiguity. It's essential to ensure that its usage aligns with the overall tone and formality of the writing. The phrase is a common and accepted way to describe situations where the outcome or details are not yet known.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay unresolved

Focuses on the lack of resolution of an issue, shifting emphasis from uncertainty to incompleteness.

persist in doubt

Emphasizes the continuation of doubt, adding a sense of duration to the uncertainty.

continue indefinite

Highlights the lack of a defined limit or end, making the uncertainty ongoing.

linger unresolved

Implies that the lack of resolution is persistent and perhaps unwanted.

stay questionable

Shifts the focus to the subject's validity being doubted, making the uncertainty about trustworthiness.

prove inconclusive

Highlights that attempts at resolution have failed to give a clear answer, stressing the failed attempt to clarify.

be up in the air

An idiomatic expression indicating that a decision or outcome is still pending and uncertain.

be an open question

Indicates that the matter is still subject to debate and has no clear answer.

be anyone's guess

Suggests that the outcome is completely unpredictable and that no one can know for sure.

remain unconfirmed

Emphasizes that the information lacks verification, highlighting a need for proof or evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "remain uncertain" to indicate that a fact, outcome, or situation is not yet known or determined. For example, "The long-term effects of the policy "remain uncertain"."

What are some alternatives to "remain uncertain"?

Alternatives include phrases like "stay unresolved", "persist in doubt", or "be up in the air", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "remains uncertain" is correct when referring to a singular subject, while "remain uncertain" is used for plural subjects or when the subject is "I", "we", "you", or "they".

What does it mean when something "remains uncertain"?

When something "remains uncertain", it means that the outcome, facts, or details surrounding it are not yet clear, decided, or known. It implies a state of ambiguity or lack of clarity.