remained undecided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remained undecided" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone has not yet made a decision or reached a conclusion about a particular matter. Example: "After much discussion, the committee remained undecided on the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One remained undecided.

The New York Times

For 25 ½ miles, the race remained undecided.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet she insisted that she remained undecided.

The New York Times

Some voters said they remained undecided.

The New York Times

Paul and Norma Smith, however, remained undecided.

The New York Times

Mr. Altmire said he remained undecided.

The New York Times

Many remained undecided until the vote neared.

The Guardian

All three said they remained undecided.

The New York Times

Ortega remained undecided well into his visit to the store.

The New York Times - Sports

With only a week to go, a fifth remained undecided.

The Economist

Consensus was growing, but slowly and many scientists remained undecided.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remained undecided" to accurately reflect a state of uncertainty or lack of decision, especially when discussing votes, opinions, or future actions. For example, "The jury remained undecided after the first day of deliberations."

Common error

While "remained undecided" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "remained unresolved" or "stayed uncertain" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remained undecided" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of continuing uncertainty or lack of resolution. It's commonly used to describe situations where a decision has not yet been made, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remained undecided" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of ongoing uncertainty or lack of resolution. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for synonyms like "remained unresolved" or "stayed on the fence" in more formal settings to avoid repetition. Remember to use "remained undecided" to accurately reflect the absence of a decision and be mindful of its formality level for the best impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained uncertain

Highlights the lack of clarity or sureness.

remained unresolved

Focuses on the lack of a solution or decision to a particular issue.

stayed indecisive

Implies a continued inability to make a firm decision.

stayed on the fence

Emphasizes neutrality and a lack of commitment to either side.

had yet to decide

Emphasizes that the decision has not been made as of a specific time.

was still considering

Focuses on the active process of evaluating options.

held no firm opinion

Indicates a lack of strong conviction or preference.

remained open to suggestions

Suggests a willingness to consider different options before deciding.

maintained an open mind

Emphasizes impartiality and a willingness to consider new information.

continued to deliberate

Highlights the ongoing process of considering different options.

FAQs

How can I use "remained undecided" in a sentence?

You can use "remained undecided" to indicate a state of uncertainty or lack of decision, such as "The committee "remained undecided" on the funding proposal after the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "remained undecided"?

Alternatives include "remained unresolved", "stayed on the fence", or "remained uncertain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "remained undecided" or "was undecided"?

"Remained undecided" implies a continuation of a previous state of uncertainty. "Was undecided" simply states a state of being without implying a change or continuation. Therefore, the best choice depends on the context.

What does it mean when someone "remained undecided" in a vote?

It means they did not choose a side or candidate, leaving their vote unresolved. They may have been "still considering" their options or not ready to commit to a decision.