remains indeterminate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remains indeterminate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation, outcome, or value that is not clearly defined or cannot be determined at a given time. Example: "The outcome of the experiment remains indeterminate until further analysis is conducted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Given the absence of a clause requiring unique realizability, ramseyfications counseled modesty: the structure that is identified remains indeterminate to just that degree to which theoretical terms remain incompletely interpreted (Carnap 1961b).

SEP

No arrangement that Israel makes with an Arab state will be normal while the Palestinians' status remains indeterminate: the 20-year-old cold peace with Egypt provides a convincing example of that.

The Economist

However, since biopsy is recommended in all cases where imaging remains "indeterminate" [18], a number of unnecessary biopsies are unavoidable.

Insights into Imaging

Acute liver failure (ALF) in infancy is a severe but life threatening event that remains indeterminate in about 50% despite extensive diagnostic workup.

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

So, if we try to determine the content of the representation by reference to the function of the detection mechanism, the content remains indeterminate.

SEP

Six-month follow-up contrast-enhanced axial (c) CT image re-demonstrates the small renal cortical nodule (open white arrow), which is not changed in size but remains indeterminate; MRI was recommended.

Insights into Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It remains strangely indeterminate, as blurry as a composite.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet grime as music remains bizarrely indeterminate, and if you ask any five people in grime what it actually is, you will get six conflicting answers.

The Guardian - Music

In this past Sunday's issue, Nate Silver wrote about the tremendous progress meteorologists have made in weather forecasting — and why, even so, the science behind it remains so indeterminate.

The New York Times

But the problem is that, for all the attention the example has had (see esp. Frede 1979: 20 21; Burnyeat 1980: 48 50; Barnes 1982: 75), it remains exasperatingly indeterminate.

SEP

Similarly, a free-choice sequence, like a recipe for "endless bisection" or "endless dicing," is not an infinitely complicated mathematical law (or rule), but rather no law at all, for after each individual throw of a coin, the point remains "infinitely indeterminate" (PR §186).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remains indeterminate" to describe situations where further investigation or information is needed before a conclusion can be drawn. It suggests a temporary state of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "remains indeterminate" when a situation is definitively unknown or unknowable. This phrase implies a potential for future resolution, not permanent obscurity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remains indeterminate" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective, serving to indicate that a particular subject or situation has not yet been definitively established or clarified. Ludwig AI shows that its grammatical structure is standard and clear to understand.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remains indeterminate" is grammatically correct and functions to express a state of uncertainty or lack of resolution. Ludwig AI confirms its reliability and appropriate application in formal and scientific writing. While not as common as other similar phrases, its specific nuance—suggesting a temporary state of uncertainty rather than a permanent one—makes it a valuable tool in precise communication. Key alternatives include "remains unclear" and "stays undefined". When using this phrase, avoid overusing it in contexts where something is definitively unknowable, as it implies potential for future resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains unclear

Emphasizes the absence of clarity or understanding.

stays undefined

Focuses on the lack of a clear definition or boundary.

remains unresolved

Highlights the lack of a solution or decision.

stays uncertain

Focuses on the absence of certainty or predictability.

remains undecided

Highlights the lack of a final decision or agreement.

remains ambiguous

Highlights the presence of multiple possible interpretations.

stays unconfirmed

Emphasizes the absence of verification or proof.

stays pending

Focuses on the state of waiting for a decision or resolution.

remains open

Emphasizes the possibility of future changes or developments.

stays speculative

Highlights the reliance on conjecture rather than concrete evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "remains indeterminate" in a sentence?

Use "remains indeterminate" to describe situations where something is not yet decided or clear. For example, "The cause of the illness "remains indeterminate" despite numerous tests."

What's a good alternative to "remains indeterminate"?

Alternatives include "remains unclear", "remains unresolved", or "stays undefined" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "remains indeterminate" in formal writing?

Yes, "remains indeterminate" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific, academic, and professional contexts where precise and neutral language is preferred.

What is the difference between "remains indeterminate" and "is unknown"?

"Remains indeterminate" implies that something is currently unclear but could potentially be determined in the future, while "is unknown" simply states that something is not known, without necessarily implying a possibility of future discovery.