yet to be explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yet to be explained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that needs further explanation or has yet to be understood. For example, "The origins of the hummingbird's bright feathers are yet to be explained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Houston's death has yet to be explained.

The Guardian - Music

This embarrassment has yet to be explained.

The New York Times - Science

The circumstances surrounding the killing have yet to be explained.

The Economist

It is a small scandal, rooted in an error that has yet to be explained.

The New York Times

The motivation behind the belated entrance on Twitter has yet to be explained.

The Guardian

What exactly those limits will be has yet to be explained.

The Economist

Later, for reasons yet to be explained, Mr. Cooley asked Ms. Marez to state her phone number.

The New York Times

The move, which has yet to be explained, makes her the first of the original housewives to get the boot.

Independent

His part in the action is yet to be explained – Serkis was originally thought simply to have been helping Marvel out with motion capture sequences.

The Guardian - Film

Maybe the "cupping" therapy that leaves large hickeys all over his torso is improving his endurance in ways yet to be explained.

The Guardian - Sport

Through circumstances that are yet to be explained, Mr. Zongo, 35, was shot four times by the officer and later died.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yet to be explained" when you want to emphasize that something needs further investigation or clarification. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, as shown by its presence across diverse sources in Ludwig.

Common error

Avoid using "yet to be explained" when a simpler phrase like "unclear" or "unknown" would suffice. Overusing this phrase in straightforward situations can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yet to be explained" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by indicating that the noun lacks a clear or complete explanation. It frequently appears after linking verbs like "is", "has", or "remains", as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "yet to be explained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack of understanding or a need for further clarification. Analysis of Ludwig's examples shows that it functions as an adjectival phrase, primarily within neutral to formal registers and academic/scientific settings. While versatile, it's best used when simpler alternatives like "unknown" or "unclear" don't fully capture the need for future understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly conveys an active, unresolved state of inquiry, distinguishing it from passive descriptions of things that are simply "unexplained".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains unexplained

Focuses on the current state of being without explanation; subtly emphasizes the lack of resolution.

remains to be elucidated

Emphasizes the need for clarification or detailed explanation, often used in scientific or academic contexts.

has not been clarified

Highlights the absence of clarification, indicating a passive state where something needs to be made clearer.

awaits explanation

Suggests that an explanation is anticipated or needed, focusing on the expectation of future clarification.

is still unknown

Indicates a complete lack of knowledge or understanding about a particular subject or event.

has not been accounted for

Focuses on the lack of an explanation that integrates a specific factor or event into a broader understanding.

defies understanding

Suggests the situation goes against logic or expected principles. Meaning can subtly shift towards inexplicable, rather than unexplained.

lacks a clear explanation

Emphasizes the absence of a well-defined or understandable explanation.

the reasons are obscure

Emphasizes that the motivations, causes, or reasons are mysterious or difficult to discern.

remains a mystery

Indicates a high level of uncertainty and intrigue, suggesting that the subject is perplexing and hard to solve.

FAQs

How can I use "yet to be explained" in a sentence?

You can use "yet to be explained" to indicate that something lacks a clear explanation or understanding. For instance, "The reason for the sudden increase in sales is "yet to be explained"".

What are some alternatives to "yet to be explained"?

Alternatives include "remains unexplained", "has not been clarified", or "is still unknown". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "yet to be explained" formal or informal?

"Yet to be explained" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Ludwig's examples show its use in news articles, scientific papers, and general writing, demonstrating its versatility.

What's the difference between "yet to be explained" and "unexplained"?

"Unexplained" simply means that something lacks an explanation. "Yet to be explained" implies that an explanation is still needed or anticipated. It carries a sense of something actively awaiting clarification, unlike the static nature of the word "unexplained".