remains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remains" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate something that continues to exist or stay in a particular state. Example: "Despite the challenges, her determination remains strong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Marriage is the union between a man and a woman, has been historically, remains so.

The New York Times

Much remains to be done.

The New York Times

Unemployment remains high.

The New York Times

One question remains unanswered.

The Guardian

It remains true today".

The Guardian

"The state of Georgia remains an extreme outlier in requiring that defendants prove they have mental retardation 'beyond a reasonable doubt'.

The Guardian

That remains unlikely.

The Economist

Katherine Bavage is 28-year-old Lib Dem member Nick Clegg's departing message to Lib Dem conference was easy to anticipate: coalition may have been tough for the party but it remains right for the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Belfast woman's remains were not found until 2003 at a beach in the Irish Republic.

The Guardian

Despite the UK's improved performance recently, selling scripted formats to US broadcasters remains a high risk gamble.

The Guardian

He remains the leader of a party that can count on the support of 129 of the 951 members of the Italian parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance you wish to convey. "Remains" can suggest resilience, stability, or simply a lack of change. Choose synonyms if a different emphasis is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "remains" in situations where an active verb is more appropriate. For instance, instead of "The decision remains to be made by the committee", a better phrasing might be "The committee still needs to make the decision".

Linguistic Context

The word "remains" primarily functions as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of "remain." It signifies a continuation of a state or condition. Ludwig examples show it expressing persistence or unchanged status, like "Unemployment "remains" high."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "remains" functions primarily as a verb to denote continuation or persistence. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is very common, especially in news and media contexts. While the register is generally neutral, careful attention should be paid to the surrounding context to avoid passive voice constructions where active verbs are more appropriate. Related phrases like "continues to be" and "persists" offer nuanced alternatives, and considering these options can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continues to be

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of a state or condition.

persists

Highlights the enduring quality of something despite challenges.

endures

Suggests a longer duration and a stronger resistance to change.

stays

A simpler, more direct way of expressing that something is in a fixed state or location.

prevails

Implies ultimate success or dominance despite opposition.

holds true

Indicates the continued validity or accuracy of a statement or belief.

is still

A straightforward way to emphasize that something has not changed.

carries on

Focuses on the continuation of an activity or process.

retains

Highlights the act of keeping or maintaining something.

abides

Suggests conformity to a rule or adherence to a principle over time.

FAQs

How can I use "remains" in a sentence?

"Remains" can be used to indicate that something continues to exist, stay in a particular state, or is left over after something else has been removed. For example, "Despite the challenges, her determination "remains" strong".

What can I say instead of "remains"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "continues to be", "persists", "endures", or "stays".

Which is correct, "the problem remains" or "the problem is remaining"?

"The problem "remains"" is generally the correct and more common usage. "The problem is remaining" can sound awkward and is not typically used unless emphasizing the ongoing process of remaining.

What's the difference between "remains" and "relics"?

"Remains" can refer to something that is left over or continues to exist, while "relics" specifically refers to objects or things from the past that are of historical or sentimental value. The rotting Ottoman "remains" that the British occupied (a big eye on the oil) and started modernising (that Blairish word) after the first world war.