the three remaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the three remaining" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a specific group of three things or people that are all that is left after others have been eliminated or used up. Example: After the party, the three remaining slices of pizza were quickly devoured by the hungry guests. In this example, "the three remaining" refers to the last three slices of pizza out of a larger group that have already been eaten.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

One of the three remaining contestants will be evicted today.

The Guardian

There we would await the three remaining expedition members.

The New York Times - Travel

The three remaining numbers each have four letters.

The Guardian

The three remaining bedrooms are on the third floor.

The New York Times

Officials in Baghdad said the families of the three remaining captives should not give up hope.

The Guardian

The library has no timetable for the three remaining live-in supers.

The New York Times

He is already dead as the prison clock strikes the three remaining chimes.

The Guardian

That is because of a surprising lack of voter interest in the three remaining candidates.

The New York Times

The three remaining members of Russia's team will go to Rio.

The Guardian - Sport

In the three remaining states — Florida, Ohio, and North Carolina — Clinton holds narrow leads.

The New Yorker

The three remaining candidates, each draw support from different segments of the party.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the three remaining", ensure the context provides clarity as to what the original larger group was. This helps avoid confusion and ensures the phrase's meaning is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using a singular verb with "the three remaining". Because "three" indicates a plural subject, always use a plural verb form, for example: "The three remaining candidates are..." not "The three remaining candidate is..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the three remaining" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying the quantity and state of a noun. It modifies a noun by indicating that only three items or entities are left from a larger set, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

28%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Travel

3%

Arts

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the three remaining" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that specifies that a particular set of three items or entities are all that are left from a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Analysis of example usages indicates that this phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, remember that it requires a plural verb form and should be used where the original context of the larger group is clear. For alternative phrasing, consider "the final three", "the last three standing", or "the only three left" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the three that remain

Rephrases with a slight shift in word order and emphasis.

the final three

Focuses on the position in a sequence, implying an ending.

the only three left

Highlights the exclusivity and limited quantity remaining.

the last three standing

Emphasizes endurance and survival, often used metaphorically.

the surviving trio

Suggests a situation where others have been eliminated or ceased to exist.

the concluding three

Highlights the finality and closing nature of the group.

the last triad

Uses a more formal and mathematical term for a group of three.

the ultimate trio

Emphasizes that the three are the most important.

the three outstanding

Focuses on their prominence.

the threesome remaining

Uses an informal way to express the idea, where the focus is still on the number three.

FAQs

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

Use "the three remaining" to refer to a group of three items, people, or entities that are left after others have been removed or consumed. Example: "The three remaining contestants will compete in the final round".

What phrases are similar to "the three remaining"?

Similar phrases include "the final three", "the last three standing", or "the only three left". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the remaining three" instead of "the three remaining"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. "The remaining three" emphasizes that the quantity of three refers to what is left. In contrast, "the three remaining" places more emphasis on the number itself.

In what contexts is "the three remaining" most appropriate?

The phrase is suitable in various contexts where you need to specify that only three items or individuals are left from a larger group. It's frequently used in situations involving competitions, selections, or inventory management, such as in "news media", "sports reporting", and project management.