remain unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remain unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in situations where you are talking about something (person, event, etc.) whose facts or details are still not known. For example: The origins of the mysterious creature remain unknown.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their whereabouts remain unknown.

The Guardian

The reasons remain unknown.

The New York Times

His whereabouts remain unknown.

The New York Times

Elsewhere they remain unknown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kotey's whereabouts remain unknown.

The Guardian

Qadaffi's whereabouts remain unknown.

The New Yorker

The causes remain unknown.

The New York Times - Sports

His motives remain unknown.

The Washington Post

The identity would remain unknown.

The New York Times - Style

The donor could remain unknown.

The New York Times

Mullah Omar's whereabouts remain unknown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "remain unknown", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific information is lacking. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "remain unknown" when a more specific term, such as "unconfirmed" or "unresolved", would provide a more accurate and nuanced description of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain unknown" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as lacking known information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. For example, "Their whereabouts remain unknown."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remain unknown" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of information or certainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and applicable across diverse contexts. Its frequent usage in News & Media and Science highlights its importance in reporting on unresolved matters and scientific inquiries. While alternatives exist, "remain unknown" provides a clear and direct way to communicate that knowledge is currently absent. When employing this phrase, ensuring the context is clear about what specifically is unknown helps maintain clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not yet known

A direct alternative emphasizing the absence of current knowledge.

are unconfirmed

Indicates that the information has not been verified or validated.

stay undisclosed

Focuses on the lack of disclosure or revelation.

have not been revealed

Focuses on the act of revealing and the lack thereof.

are still uncertain

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of clarity surrounding the subject.

continue to be a mystery

Emphasizes the mysterious nature and lack of understanding.

are yet to be discovered

Suggests that discovery is possible, but has not happened yet.

are still unresolved

Suggests an ongoing issue where a solution or answer is pending.

persist in obscurity

Highlights the continued lack of clarity or fame.

are shrouded in secrecy

Emphasizes the deliberate concealment of information.

FAQs

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

The phrase "remain unknown" is used to indicate that certain facts or details about a subject are not yet known. For example, "The motives of the perpetrator "remain unknown"."

What's a good alternative to "remain unknown"?

Alternatives to "remain unknown" include "are still uncertain", "are not yet known", or "stay undisclosed", depending on the specific context.

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

No, "remains unknown" is only correct when referring to a singular subject. For plural subjects, ""remain unknown"" is the correct form.

What does it mean when something "remain unknown"?

When something ""remain unknown"", it signifies that the details, causes, or whereabouts related to that thing are currently not known or have not been discovered yet.