the remaining three

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the remaining three' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to the last items in a group of things, after a few have already been mentioned. For example, "Of the six books in the series, I've already read three. The remaining three will have to wait until next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The remaining three are even pricier.

The New York Times

The remaining three Vedāṅgas are more linguistic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And what of the remaining three sisters?

The New Yorker

So what of the remaining three angels?

The New York Times

Syriza won the remaining three.

The Guardian

The remaining three were unhappy.

The New York Times

The remaining three are sterile controls.

Nature

The remaining three got on the road.

The New Yorker

The remaining three contestants received honorable mentions.

The New York Times

The remaining three have not faced charges.

The Washington Post

The remaining three residents were unavailable due to scheduling conflicts.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the remaining three", ensure it's clear what larger group these three are remaining from. Provide context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the remaining three" if the total number isn't clearly established beforehand. It can cause confusion if the reader doesn't know the original quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the remaining three" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically acting as a pre-modifier to a noun (explicit or implied). Ludwig AI indicates it is correct to use in your writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

34%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the remaining three" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the last three items from a known quantity. It is appropriate for various writing styles and carries a neutral tone, making it ideal for conveying information clearly and efficiently. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and well-suited for formal and informal contexts. When using the phrase, remember to provide context to clearly indicate the original group to which these three belong. Prominent sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, demonstrating its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the last three

Focuses on the position of the three items in a sequence.

the final three

Emphasizes that these are the concluding items.

the other three

Highlights that these three are distinct from a previously mentioned group.

the three left

A more concise way of expressing the same idea.

the three that remain

A more descriptive and slightly formal alternative.

those three remaining

Slightly alters the word order for a different emphasis.

the balance of three

Emphasizes the idea of a remaining quantity.

the residual three

A more formal and less common way to describe the remaining items.

the unaddressed three

Implies that these three have not yet been dealt with or considered.

the outstanding three

Suggests these three are still pending or unresolved.

FAQs

How can I use "the remaining three" in a sentence?

You can use "the remaining three" to refer to the last three items from a larger group, for example: "Of the ten candidates, seven were interviewed last week. "The remaining three" will be interviewed tomorrow."

What's a simpler way to say "the remaining three"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "the last three" or "the final three" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the remaining three"?

It's generally correct, but avoid using it if the total number isn't known or easily inferred. Otherwise, it might confuse your audience. Providing context will ensure clarity.

What's the difference between "the remaining three" and "the other three"?

"The other three" implies a distinction from a previously mentioned group, while "the remaining three" emphasizes that they are what's left from an original, larger set.