remaining neutral

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remaining neutral" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of not taking sides or showing bias in a situation or argument. Example: "In a debate, it is crucial for the moderator to remain neutral to ensure fairness and objectivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"By remaining neutral, it allowed people to rip into him".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Gephardt is remaining neutral in the primary, his spokesman, Erik Smith, said.

The New York Times

Mr. Paterson was there, too, though the Sharpton campaign had been counting on him remaining neutral.

The New York Times

This policy is supported by Universities Scotland, although it is remaining neutral in the independence debate.

The Guardian

It previously said it was making arrangements to deal with the "uncertainty", while remaining neutral.

The Guardian - Business

Ultimately, remaining neutral in the debates over slavery and secession proved ineffective.

The Washington Post

Even so, when the Germans unexpectedly invaded Poland in September 1939, Mussolini insisted on remaining neutral.

Britannica

And it explains why remaining neutral can feel like taking a principled stand.

The Washington Post

But as it turned out, remaining neutral in the end amounted to defending slavery.

The Washington Post

But remaining neutral, you end up with no friends at all.

Independent

Ross had tried to avoid such scenarios by remaining neutral when the war broke out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, using "remaining neutral" can convey objectivity and prevent alienating readers. Use this phrase to indicate a balanced perspective.

Common error

While "remaining neutral" can project fairness, it might be perceived as indifference or inaction in situations demanding a clear stance. Be mindful of the context and potential implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remaining neutral" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It often modifies a subject by describing the action of maintaining a non-aligned or impartial stance. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is used in various contexts to convey objectivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remaining neutral" is a commonly used verb phrase that signifies maintaining impartiality or taking no sides in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys objectivity and fairness. While generally appropriate, it's important to consider the context to ensure neutrality isn't perceived as indifference. Alternatives include "staying impartial" or "maintaining objectivity". Overall, "remaining neutral" is a valuable tool for writers aiming to present a balanced and unbiased perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

staying impartial

Focuses on avoiding bias, similar to remaining neutral but emphasizes fairness.

remaining non-aligned

Emphasizes a lack of formal association or support for any group.

maintaining objectivity

Highlights the importance of unbiased observation and judgment.

taking no sides

Implies active avoidance of alignment with any particular faction.

keeping an open mind

Suggests willingness to consider all viewpoints without pre-judgment.

being disinterested

Indicates a lack of personal stake or emotional involvement.

abstaining from voting

Specifically refers to not participating in a decision-making process.

avoiding conflict of interest

Focuses on preventing situations where personal interests could compromise impartiality.

resisting involvement

Highlights the conscious effort to not get entangled in a situation.

sitting on the fence

An informal expression indicating indecision or unwillingness to commit to a side.

FAQs

How can I use "remaining neutral" in a sentence?

You can use "remaining neutral" to describe a person or entity that is not taking sides in a conflict or dispute. For example: "The mediator is tasked with "remaining neutral" throughout the negotiation process".

What does it mean to "remain neutral" in a debate?

To "remain neutral" in a debate means to not favor any particular argument or viewpoint. This ensures fairness and allows for an unbiased evaluation of the different perspectives presented. A moderator should aim at "remaining neutral".

Which is more appropriate: "remaining neutral" or "staying neutral"?

"Remaining neutral" and "staying neutral" are largely interchangeable and both are appropriate. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. Both phrases express the idea of maintaining a position of impartiality. Someone can choose "staying neutral".

What's the difference between "remaining neutral" and "being impartial"?

"Remaining neutral" implies maintaining a state of non-alignment or non-involvement over time, while "being impartial" describes a general quality of fairness and lack of bias. Although similar, the first emphasizes the act of maintaining neutrality, and the second the quality of "being impartial".