remain unclear

USAGE SUMMARY

"remain unclear" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever something is not immediately understood or known. For example: "The details of the situation remain unclear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reasons remain unclear.

University of California, Berkeley

His motivations remain unclear.

Independent

The answers remain unclear.

The New York Times - Sports

Some things remain unclear.

The New Yorker

Many details remain unclear.

The New York Times

WikiLeaks's intentions remain unclear.

The New York Times

Her plans remain unclear.

The New York Times

Saleh's motives remain unclear.

The Guardian

Casualties there remain unclear.

The Guardian

But details remain unclear.

Nature

Health consequences remain unclear.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remain unclear" when acknowledging that information is incomplete or uncertain, prompting further investigation or clarification.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on "remain unclear" in every instance of uncertainty. Vary your language by using active constructions where appropriate to make your writing more dynamic and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain unclear" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of uncertainty or lack of clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable across diverse contexts. For example, "The reasons remain unclear."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

27%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remain unclear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack of understanding or certainty. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and versatile. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, as Ludwig's examples show, the phrase serves to acknowledge incomplete information, prompting further exploration or clarification. When employing this phrase, consider varying your language to avoid overusing passive constructions for dynamic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be unresolved

Indicates that the issue or question has not been settled or answered.

stay uncertain

Emphasizes the continuation of uncertainty.

continue to be vague

Focuses on the lack of specific details.

lack definition

Implies a need for clearer boundaries or understanding.

persist in obscurity

Highlights the lack of clarity and the persistence of the unknown.

prove indefinite

Highlights the lack of a fixed or certain quality.

be shrouded in mystery

Suggests an element of intrigue and concealment.

be up in the air

Suggests that a decision or outcome is still pending and uncertain.

evade clarification

Highlights that there's an attempt but no clarification.

defy understanding

Emphasizes the difficulty in comprehending or grasping something.

FAQs

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

You can use "remain unclear" to indicate that certain facts or details are not yet known or understood. For example: "The motivations behind the decision "remain unclear"."

What are some alternatives to "remain unclear"?

Alternatives include "stay uncertain", "be unresolved", or "continue to be vague" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "remains unclear" or "remain unclear"?

"Remain unclear" is used with plural subjects, while "remains unclear" is used with singular subjects. For example: "The details remain unclear" versus "The reason remains unclear".

What does it mean when something "remains unclear"?

When something "remains unclear", it signifies that the information is not fully understood or is still uncertain. It implies a need for more information or investigation to achieve clarity.