remain undecided

USAGE SUMMARY

"remain undecided" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when someone has not made up their mind about something. For example: "John was unable to decide whether to go to the beach or the park, so he decided to remain undecided for the time being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many voters remain undecided.

The Economist

Six percent remain undecided.

The New York Times

38% remain undecided.

The Guardian

(Ten percent remain undecided).

The New York Times

Other cases remain undecided.

The New York Times

They remain undecided.

The Guardian

Still, some doctors remain undecided.

The New York Times - Health

Three closely related issues, however, remain undecided.

The Economist

A fifth of voters remain undecided.

The Economist

Crucially, 30% of younger voters remain undecided.

The Economist

Roughly one third of Scots remain undecided.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a group's opinion (e.g. voters, lawmakers), specify the percentage or number who "remain undecided" to provide context and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "remain undecided" when active decision-making is required. If a deadline necessitates a choice, emphasize the need for a decision rather than simply stating that someone "remains undecided".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain undecided" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a state of unresolved opinion or choice. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use, particularly in contexts where decisions are pending or opinions are not yet formed. The examples show that it describes people, issues or situations that have not yet been determined.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remain undecided" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of unresolved opinion, choice, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use across diverse contexts, especially within news media, where it commonly depicts voter sentiments or pending resolutions. When employing this phrase, aim to specify the group or percentage involved, and avoid using it when proactive decision-making is required. While alternatives such as "remain unresolved" or "have yet to decide" can serve as more formal substitutions, "remain undecided" maintains a versatile and neutral register suitable for most communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have yet to decide

Stresses that the decision is still in the future.

have not made a decision

Focuses on the lack of a decision having been made.

remain unresolved

Similar to 'stay unresolved', emphasizing the continuation of an unresolved state.

stay uncertain

Highlights the aspect of uncertainty rather than the decision itself.

have not yet determined

Emphasizes that the final determination is still pending.

stay unresolved

Focuses on the lack of resolution rather than the decision-making process.

remain pending

Indicates that something is waiting to be decided or resolved.

not come to a conclusion

Emphasizes the absence of a final decision or judgment.

are still considering

Highlights the ongoing process of evaluating options.

are on the fence

An idiomatic expression that suggests being unable to choose between two options.

FAQs

How do I use "remain undecided" in a sentence?

Use "remain undecided" to describe a state of uncertainty or lack of resolution, especially when referring to choices, opinions, or decisions. For example: "Many voters "remain undecided" about the candidates."

What's a more formal alternative to "remain undecided"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "remain unresolved" or "have yet to decide" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "remains undecided"?

Yes, "remains undecided" is grammatically correct, but it's used when the subject is singular. For a plural subject, use ""remain undecided"". For example: "The issue remains undecided" (singular) vs. "The voters remain undecided" (plural).

What's the difference between "remain undecided" and "become undecided"?

"Remain undecided" suggests a continuing state of not having made a decision, whereas "become undecided" implies a change from a state of having an opinion to one of uncertainty. The nuances can be relevant based on the situation.