were still unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were still unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has not yet been discovered or identified, often in a past context. Example: "The origins of the ancient artifact were still unknown to the researchers despite their extensive studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

As the results came in, his whereabouts were still unknown.

The New Yorker

The circumstances surrounding the deaths were still unknown Sunday.

The New York Times

As of Monday evening, the whereabouts of the men were still unknown.

The New York Times

During the 18th century tailless bowed kites were still unknown in Europe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tall and courtly, Mr. Carroll made his reputation in a world where dot-com companies were still unknown.

The New York Times

Two months had passed since Ai Weiwei was detained, and the artist's fate and whereabouts were still unknown.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's still unknown.

The New Yorker

Much is still unknown.

The New York Times

"The cause is still unknown.

The New York Times

Her fate is still unknown.

The New York Times

The results are still unknown.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were still unknown", ensure the sentence provides context about the time frame being discussed. This helps clarify when the information was not yet known.

Common error

Avoid using "were still unknown" when referring to current situations where the information remains unknown. In such cases, use "are still unknown" to maintain correct tense agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were still unknown" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes a state of being, indicating that certain facts, details, or information lacked awareness or discovery at a particular time in the past. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were still unknown" functions as a predicative adjective phrase used to describe a lack of knowledge or discovery at a specific point in the past. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various reputable sources, including news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's crucial to maintain tense agreement and provide appropriate context when employing the phrase. Alternatives such as "remained undiscovered" or "were yet to be identified" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. The phrase is deemed appropriate for neutral and formal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained undiscovered

Emphasizes the state of not being found or discovered.

were yet to be identified

Focuses on the absence of identification rather than general knowledge.

were not yet known

Highlights the absence of knowledge or awareness.

had not been discovered

Similar to "remained undiscovered" but with a slightly different emphasis on the action of discovery.

lacked elucidation

More formal and emphasizes a lack of clarification or explanation.

defied comprehension

Indicates that the subject was beyond understanding.

eluded detection

Highlights the inability to detect or notice something.

remained a mystery

Emphasizes the enigmatic or puzzling nature of the subject.

were shrouded in obscurity

Focuses on the lack of clarity or visibility surrounding the subject.

were unrevealed

Highlights the absence of disclosure or revelation.

FAQs

How can I use "were still unknown" in a sentence?

Use "were still unknown" to describe something that hadn't been discovered or understood at a specific time in the past. For example, "The long-term effects of the treatment "were still unknown" during the initial trials".

What's a more formal alternative to "were still unknown"?

Formal alternatives include phrases like "remained unelucidated", "defied comprehension" or "were yet to be identified".

Is it correct to say "is still unknown" instead of "were still unknown"?

It depends on the context. "Is still unknown" refers to something currently unknown, while "were still unknown" refers to something that was unknown at a specific point in the past. For instance, "The cause of the disease is still unknown" (present), versus "The cause of the disease "were still unknown" in the 19th century" (past).

What is the difference between "were unknown" and "were still unknown"?

"Were unknown" simply states that something was not known. "Were still unknown" emphasizes that despite the passage of time or effort, something remained unknown at a specific point in the past.