what remains

USAGE SUMMARY

"what remains" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to ask a question or make a statement about something that has been partially depleted or used up. For example: "After John donated some of his earnings to charity, what remains in his bank account?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What remains?

The New York Times

What remains important, investigatively?

The New Yorker

What remains unresolved?

The Guardian

What remains for survivors?

The Washington Post

What remains in Mosul.

The New York Times

What remains of it?

The New York Times - Books

What remains of a life?

The New Yorker

The question is, what remains?

The New York Times

It feeds on what remains.

The New York Times - Arts

What remains feels oddly mechanical.

The New Yorker

Can he heal what remains?

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what remains" to introduce a discussion about the consequences or lasting effects of an event, decision, or change.

Common error

Avoid using "what remains" in contexts where the tone is inappropriately melodramatic or overly sentimental. Opt for more direct or factual language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what remains" typically functions as a subject or object in a sentence, introducing the part or aspect of something that continues to exist or be relevant after a change, loss, or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what remains" serves to highlight the enduring aspects or consequences of a situation, change, or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Alternatives such as "what is left" or "what persists" offer subtle shifts in emphasis, while avoiding overly sentimental tones ensures clear and impactful writing. Its high frequency and grammatical correctness solidify its place as a versatile and reliable phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is left

Focuses on the physical or tangible items that are not taken away or consumed.

what endures

Emphasizes the lasting or surviving aspects of something, often with a sense of resilience.

what persists

Highlights the continuing existence or effect of something over time.

what survives

Implies overcoming challenges or threats to continue existing.

the residue

Refers to the substance that is left after a process.

the remainder

Indicates the portion that is not used or consumed.

the balance

Focuses on the amount left after deductions.

what's outstanding

Highlights what is still needing to be done or addressed.

the remnant

Suggests a small surviving part of something larger.

the aftermath

Emphasizes the consequences or results that follow an event.

FAQs

How can I use "what remains" in a sentence?

You can use "what remains" to discuss the lasting impact or consequences of an event. For instance, "After the fire, what remains is a testament to the resilience of the community".

What are some alternatives to "what remains"?

Alternatives include "what is left", "what persists", or "the aftermath", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "what remains" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what remains" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

How does the connotation of "what remains" differ from "what is left over"?

"What remains" often carries a stronger sense of consequence or lasting impact compared to the more neutral "what is left over". "What remains" suggests something significant endures, while "what is left over" simply refers to the portion that has not been used.