remains unclear

USAGE SUMMARY

"remains unclear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something still has not been explained or understood, and it implies that it might stay that way. For example: The true motive behind the criminal's actions remains unclear.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its future remains unclear.

Columbia University

The outcome remains unclear.

The New York Times

The motive remains unclear.

The New York Times

But much remains unclear.

The Economist

Jaime's motive remains unclear.

The New York Times

Their nationality remains unclear.

Independent

Nova's status remains unclear.

The New York Times

That remains unclear.

The New York Times

How much remains unclear.

The Guardian - Tech

The outlook remains unclear.

The New York Times

The science remains unclear.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remains unclear" when acknowledging that information is currently unavailable or uncertain, without implying a definite resolution in the future. This phrase works well in formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "remains unclear" as a default placeholder when more precise language can convey the specific nature of the uncertainty, such as "unconfirmed", "disputed", or "unknown".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remains unclear" functions as a stative verb phrase indicating a continuing state of uncertainty or lack of clarity. It is commonly used to express that something has not been fully explained or understood at the present time. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is widely used across diverse topics and sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remains unclear" is a versatile expression used to denote a persistent lack of clarity or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across diverse fields, including news, science, and academia. Its neutral-to-formal register makes it suitable for various writing styles. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure that it genuinely reflects the ongoing nature of the uncertainty and avoid it when more specific terms are appropriate. Alternative phrases like "is still uncertain" or "has not been clarified" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is still uncertain

Emphasizes ongoing uncertainty, shifting from a state to a process.

is yet to be determined

Highlights that a decision or outcome has not been reached.

has not been clarified

Focuses on the absence of clarification or explanation.

is shrouded in mystery

Implies a sense of intrigue and obscurity.

is open to question

Suggests that the matter is debatable or not definitively settled.

is subject to speculation

Highlights reliance on conjecture rather than concrete information.

defies explanation

Implies the situation is beyond understanding or rationalization.

is anyone's guess

Indicates complete uncertainty, with no reliable basis for prediction.

is a matter of conjecture

Emphasizes that the situation is based on guesswork.

is up in the air

Indicates a lack of resolution and uncertainty about the future.

FAQs

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

Use "remains unclear" to indicate that something has not yet been fully explained or understood. For example, "The motive for the crime "remains unclear"".

What are some alternatives to saying "remains unclear"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is still uncertain", "is yet to be determined", or "has not been clarified".

Is "remains unclear" formal or informal?

"Remains unclear" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its suitability often depends on the surrounding context and tone.

What's the difference between "remains unclear" and "is unclear"?

"Remains unclear" suggests that something was previously unclear and continues to be so. "Is unclear" simply states that something is currently not clear, without implying its past state.