something remained

USAGE SUMMARY

'something remained' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that a certain thing or action is still present or existing after everything else has passed or ended. Example: After the party ended, only a few decorations and some leftover food remained on the table. In this example, 'something remained' is used to describe the objects that were still present after the party ended.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A life was saved by a complete stranger and what happened on that bridge kick-started a long recovery, but something remained and nagged.

Independent

The shrine itself, with its glimmering mosaics, fragrant incense, and verdant trees, faithfully reproduced the imagery of paradise, but its closed surfaces, half-submerged chambers, gates and grilles hinted that something remained tantalisingly just out of reach.

The Guardian - Opinion

In my teen-age years, I overcame my envy, even made fun of it, though something remained of the sentiment, an element of sadness as to why we, too, couldn't be like them.

The New Yorker

Kaplan nevertheless thought something remained constant in different contexts the linguistic meaning of 'I'.

SEP

If something remained unclear or seemed contradictory, the authors were in touch via email with the respondents to clarify the content.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

This demo version of "Something" remained unreleased until its inclusion on the Beatles' outtake collection Anthology 3 in 1996.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

MM: You say "privacy is not the same as secrecy", but how can something remain private if it is not kept secret?

The Guardian

In intuitive terms, symmetry is about something remaining the same under some transformations.

Boundary Value Problems

Observe that "something remaining the same under some transformations" need not depend on coordinates, metric, dimension or orientation of the space.

Boundary Value Problems

Only the 20-somethings remain.

The New York Times

"Wickham organised the RUC as the armed wing of Unionism, which is something it remained thereafter," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something remained" to subtly indicate that not everything is gone or lost, often hinting at potential or unresolved issues. It is effective in creating suspense or suggesting incomplete resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "something remained" when a more direct statement would suffice. For example, instead of saying "After the rain, something remained on the window", consider "After the rain, water droplets remained on the window" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

"Something remained" functions as an existential statement, asserting the continued presence of an unspecified element. Ludwig AI identifies that the phrase is frequently used in narrative contexts to introduce an element of mystery or suggest an unresolved issue, and its meaning must be specified from the content. For example, 'something remained and nagged' in the first example provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "something remained" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates the persistence of an unspecified element after an event or change. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Wiki, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of the potential for ambiguity and ensure that the context clarifies what exactly remained. The provided writing guidance and related phrases offer valuable insights to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trace lingered

Focuses on the lingering aspect, suggesting a subtle presence after something has passed.

a vestige survived

Emphasizes the survival of a small part of something, often after significant loss or change.

an echo persisted

Highlights the continuation of an effect or memory, like an echo after the original sound is gone.

part endured

Directly states that a portion of something withstood the test of time or circumstance.

a memory stayed

Specifically refers to the persistence of a memory, emphasizing remembrance.

evidence continued

Indicates the uninterrupted presence of proof or signs.

the feeling carried on

Focuses on the continuation of an emotion or sentiment.

the impact resonated

Emphasizes that the influence or effect of something continued to be felt.

the habit persisted

Highlights the continued presence of a recurring behavior.

an impression lasted

Indicates the enduring effect that something made on someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "something remained" in a sentence?

You can use "something remained" to suggest that an element or aspect persisted after an event or change. For example, "After the storm, "something remained" of the old oak tree, a testament to its strength".

What are some alternatives to "something remained"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a trace lingered", "a vestige survived", or "an echo persisted" to express a similar idea with slightly different nuances.

Is "something remained" formal or informal?

"Something remained" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but its impact is most effective when used sparingly to add depth to your writing. More direct phrasing can often be clearer in less descriptive pieces.

What does "something remained" imply?

"Something remained" implies that not everything was lost or changed, suggesting a degree of persistence or continuity. It can hint at incomplete resolutions or lingering effects.