the question remains

USAGE SUMMARY

"the question remains" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a particular question has not been answered or settled yet and might be worth further exploration. For example, "The cause of the fire remains a mystery; further investigation is needed to answer this question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The question remains unresolved.

The New York Times

Yet the question remains.

Independent

So, the question remains.

The New York Times

The question remains: What works?

The New York Times

The question remains somewhat theoretical.

The Economist

The question remains unsettled.

Britannica

But the question remains.

The New York Times

For the moment the question remains unanswered.

The Economist

I admit the question remains open.

The New York Times

But the question remains: Why bother?

The New Yorker

So the question remains: why?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the question remains" to introduce a central point of uncertainty or a problem that requires further investigation in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the question remains" multiple times within a short passage. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the question remains" functions as an introducer of uncertainty or an unresolved issue. It typically precedes a statement or question that highlights a key point still needing clarification, following Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the question remains" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to signal that an issue is unresolved. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. Its prevalence across diverse fields—including news, academia, and science—underscores its versatility in highlighting lingering questions or uncertainties. When using "the question remains", ensure it clearly introduces an outstanding issue without overuse in close proximity to maintain clarity and reader engagement. Alternatives like "it is still uncertain" and "the issue is unresolved" can provide variety while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's yet to be determined

Highlights that a final decision or answer is pending.

it's still uncertain

Emphasizes the lack of certainty surrounding a topic.

the puzzle persists

Changes the metaphor from a question to a puzzle, implying complexity.

the uncertainty prevails

Emphasizes the continuation of doubt or lack of clarity.

the problem lingers

Substitutes "question" with "problem", focusing on an issue needing resolution.

the solution is outstanding

Highlights the absence of a solution to a given problem.

the enigma endures

Replaces "question" with "enigma", suggesting a mysterious aspect.

we have yet to discover

Shifts focus to the act of discovery, suggesting an ongoing search for answers.

the answer eludes us

Presents the answer as something difficult to grasp.

the debate continues

Focuses on the ongoing nature of a discussion without resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "the question remains" in a sentence?

Use "the question remains" to introduce an unresolved issue or a point of uncertainty that needs further exploration. For example, "Despite the initial findings, "the question remains": what are the long-term effects?"

What are some alternatives to "the question remains"?

Alternatives include "it is still uncertain", "it is yet to be determined", or "the issue is unresolved", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the question remains is"?

No, "the question remains is" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "the question remains:" or "the question that remains is".

What's the difference between "the question remains" and "the question still stands"?

"The question remains" suggests an issue that has not been resolved, while "the question still stands" implies that a previously posed question is still relevant and unanswered.