remains unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

"remains unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not known; for example: The motives behind the perpetrator's actions remain unknown.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their fate remains unknown.

Independent

Too much remains unknown.

Yale University

Much remains unknown.

Cornell University

The outcome remains unknown.

The New York Times

More remains unknown.

The New Yorker

Its cause remains unknown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its fate remains unknown.

The New York Times

His motive remains unknown.

The Washington Post

His fate remains unknown.

The Guardian

What remains unknown?

Nature

The creative outcome remains unknown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remains unknown" when you want to emphasize that something is currently not known, but there's potential for future discovery or clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "remains unknown" when the situation implies speculation rather than a genuine lack of information. Opt for phrases like "is speculated" or "is believed" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remains unknown" functions as a predicative expression, typically following a subject and a linking verb (often "is" or "remains"). Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is both correct and commonly used in written English. It serves to attribute a state of unknowability or uncertainty to the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

27%

Science

27%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remains unknown" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed expression to indicate that specific information is currently not known or understood. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase sees widespread use across various domains, including news, academia, and scientific research. Its neutral register makes it suitable for formal contexts, while alternative phrasing might be preferred for less formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure you aren't merely speculating and genuinely indicating a lack of information. Overall, it's a reliable way to convey uncertainty in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has not been determined

Focuses on the absence of a definitive resolution.

stays unconfirmed

Emphasizes the lack of verification or validation.

is not yet clear

Suggests a lack of clarity or understanding.

is yet to be discovered

Highlights the potential for future revelation.

is still a mystery

Implies an intriguing or puzzling nature.

has not been revealed

Indicates that the information is concealed or undisclosed.

is shrouded in secrecy

Implies deliberate concealment or obscurity.

eludes understanding

Suggests the topic is difficult to grasp or comprehend.

escapes detection

Focuses on the inability to find or identify something.

is beyond comprehension

Implies that the issue is impossible to understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "remains unknown" to indicate that a piece of information or a cause is not yet discovered or understood. For example, "The motive for the crime "remains unknown"".

What are some alternatives to "remains unknown"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is yet to be discovered", "is still a mystery", or "has not been determined", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "remains unknown" is suitable for formal writing. It's a neutral and professional way to state that information is currently unavailable.

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

"Remains unknown" implies that something was previously unknown and continues to be so. "Is unknown" simply states that something is currently not known, without necessarily implying a previous state. For example, "His whereabouts "remains unknown" since the incident occurred" emphasizes the ongoing lack of information.