remains unsaid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remains unsaid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has not been expressed or articulated, often implying that it is understood or felt but not explicitly stated. Example: "Though the topic was sensitive, the tension in the room suggested that much remained unsaid between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

At first, all is calm, though too much remains unsaid.

The Guardian - Books

What Max thinks of his father and what his father thinks of him remains unsaid.

The New York Times

Reza is fascinated by what almost always remains unsaid: What happens if we dare to speak our minds?

The New York Times - Books

She signs birthday cards to her closest friends with her full name".Bettyville" is a moving book about what remains unsaid and undone.

The Economist

Perhaps acknowledging that little about Windows 95 remains unsaid, Microsoft PRs disclosed that the development team consumed an estimated 2,283,600 cups of coffee and 4,850 lbs of popcorn while toiling over the new product.

The Guardian

But what remains unsaid is one of the most obvious costs associated with moving toward a regressive tax system: significantly higher taxes for the poor and the middle class that would result in a lower quality of life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Evidence from the qualitative interviews indicates that safety remains an unsaid word between patients and their care providers.

BMC Health Services Research

These results, together with the observation that patients have problems with naming incidents without thinking in terms of fault or negligent behaviour indicates that there is still big silence between patients and their providers, and safety often remains an unsaid word.

BMC Health Services Research

Her mother believes there are things that should remain unsaid.

Independent

But visitors who venture into the bowels of the hospital are largely on their own; much remains unlabeled and unsaid.

The New York Times - Arts

It ends with the striking image of Christ stepping down from the cross, "the sopping bud of his heart in his outstretched hand while the dead // silence that draws out over battlefield and potter's field / is what remains of the truth of it and must be left unsaid".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remains unsaid" to subtly hint at unspoken tensions, feelings, or information within a narrative or discussion. This adds depth and encourages the reader to infer meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "remains unsaid" excessively in direct dialogue, as it can sound unnatural. Instead, show what's not being said through character actions, expressions, and subtext.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remains unsaid" functions as a descriptor, indicating that something is not explicitly communicated. It often implies a deliberate withholding or an unspoken understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remains unsaid" is a versatile descriptor used to indicate that something has not been explicitly stated. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly within news, books, and science. While maintaining a neutral register, its sophisticated nature lends itself to professional settings, subtly hinting at unspoken meanings or tensions. When writing, be mindful to use "remains unsaid" to encourage inference, but avoid overuse in direct dialogue for a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is left unsaid

A slight variation, emphasizing the action of leaving something unsaid.

is left unspoken

Focuses on the act of not speaking something.

goes unmentioned

Highlights that something wasn't brought up.

is not expressed

Emphasizes the lack of outward communication.

remains tacit

Uses a more formal word for implied understanding.

is implied but not stated

Highlights the implicit nature of the communication.

is understood without saying

Emphasizes the shared understanding.

is hinted at

Suggests an indirect way of communicating.

lurks beneath the surface

Implies something is hidden but influential.

is conspicuous by its absence

Highlights something's notable lack of inclusion.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "remains unsaid"?

When something "remains unsaid", it means that it has not been explicitly stated or expressed, often implying that it is understood or felt but not directly communicated.

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

You can use "remains unsaid" to describe unspoken feelings or information, such as: "Despite the argument, much "is left unspoken" between them."

What's a more formal way to say "remains unsaid"?

A more formal alternative to "remains unsaid" is "remains tacit", which implies that something is understood without being explicitly expressed.

What are some situations where things often "remain unsaid"?

Things often "remain unsaid" in situations involving sensitive topics, interpersonal conflicts, or cultural norms where direct communication might be avoided. For example, unspoken expectations in a relationship or hidden tensions within a family might "lurk beneath the surface".