It remains to be seen whether
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Literally: It stays to be seen if
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses uncertainty about a future outcome or result.
- Used to delay judgment until more evidence is available.
- A sophisticated way to say 'we will see what happens'.
Meaning
This phrase is used to say that the outcome of a situation is still uncertain. You use it when you are waiting for time to pass to see if something actually works or happens.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a new company policy
It remains to be seen whether the new remote work policy will improve productivity.
It remains to be seen whether the new remote work policy will improve productivity.
Talking about a friend's new relationship
They seem happy, but it remains to be seen whether they can handle living together.
They seem happy, but it remains to be seen whether they can handle living together.
A sports commentator talking about a rookie
He was great in college, but it remains to be seen whether he can perform in the pros.
He was great in college, but it remains to be seen whether he can perform in the pros.
Cultural Background
In the UK, this phrase is often used with a touch of 'understatement.' It's a way to be politely skeptical without being confrontational. US professionals use this to manage expectations. It protects the speaker from being blamed if a project fails later. In global academia, this is a standard 'hedging' device. It allows researchers to acknowledge a theory without claiming it is absolute truth. Journalists use this to maintain 'neutrality.' By saying an outcome 'remains to be seen,' they avoid taking a side in a debate.
Use 'Whether' for Writing
While 'if' is common in speech, always use 'whether' in essays or business emails to sound more professional.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase in every paragraph of an essay, it can seem like you are avoiding making a clear argument.
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses uncertainty about a future outcome or result.
- Used to delay judgment until more evidence is available.
- A sophisticated way to say 'we will see what happens'.
What It Means
Think of this as a verbal 'wait and see' card. You use it remains to be seen whether when you aren't ready to make a final judgment. It suggests that while there are theories or promises, the real proof hasn't arrived yet. It is the ultimate expression of healthy skepticism.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the start of a sentence to set a cautious tone. Follow it with a condition or a question about the future. For example, if a friend starts a crazy new diet, you might say this to express doubt. It sounds much more sophisticated than just saying 'maybe.'
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound objective and analytical. It is perfect for business meetings when a new strategy is proposed. You can also use it in casual debates about sports or movies. It works best when there is a specific 'test' coming up soon. It makes you sound like a wise observer of life.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this if the answer is already obvious. Don't use it for things that are 100% certain, like the sun rising. It can sound a bit cold in very intimate emotional moments. If your partner asks if you love them, do NOT use this phrase! You will end up sleeping on the couch.
Cultural Background
English speakers love to avoid being wrong. This phrase is a linguistic safety net. It comes from a tradition of empirical thinking where proof is everything. It became very popular in political journalism during the 20th century. Now, it is a staple of 'intellectual' English across the globe.
Common Variations
You might hear people say it remains to be seen if instead of whether. They mean exactly the same thing. Sometimes people shorten it to just remains to be seen. You might also hear the jury is still out, which is a more colorful version. All of these keep you from looking like a fool if things go wrong.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits at a C2 level because it requires understanding of passive infinitives and formal registers. It is most effective in argumentative essays, business reports, or when you want to sound sophisticated in a debate.
Use 'Whether' for Writing
While 'if' is common in speech, always use 'whether' in essays or business emails to sound more professional.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase in every paragraph of an essay, it can seem like you are avoiding making a clear argument.
The Standalone Rebuttal
Saying 'That remains to be seen' is a very effective way to disagree with someone without being rude.
Examples
6It remains to be seen whether the new remote work policy will improve productivity.
It remains to be seen whether the new remote work policy will improve productivity.
Used here to show a neutral, wait-and-see attitude in a professional setting.
They seem happy, but it remains to be seen whether they can handle living together.
They seem happy, but it remains to be seen whether they can handle living together.
Adds a touch of realistic doubt to a social observation.
He was great in college, but it remains to be seen whether he can perform in the pros.
He was great in college, but it remains to be seen whether he can perform in the pros.
Commonly used in sports to temper expectations for new players.
The menu looks good, but it remains to be seen whether it's worth the 2-hour wait!
The menu looks good, but it remains to be seen whether it's worth the 2-hour wait!
A slightly more formal phrase used in a casual text for humorous emphasis.
He promised to clean the kitchen, but it remains to be seen whether he actually knows where the soap is.
He promised to clean the kitchen, but it remains to be seen whether he actually knows where the soap is.
Using a formal phrase for a trivial matter creates a funny, sarcastic effect.
The surgery was a success, but it remains to be seen whether she will make a full recovery.
The surgery was a success, but it remains to be seen whether she will make a full recovery.
Used to manage expectations during a serious and uncertain time.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
The new CEO has big plans, but it _______ whether the board will approve them.
The full phrase 'remains to be seen' is required for this formal context.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal news report?
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct phrase and formal vocabulary ('secure a second term').
Complete the dialogue with a skeptical but polite response.
A: 'I'm sure the new software will be bug-free!' B: '_______.'
'That remains to be seen' is a perfect standalone response to express polite doubt.
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
Match 'Only time will tell' and 'It remains to be seen whether' to their best contexts.
'Only time will tell' is more idiomatic/casual; 'It remains to be seen' is more academic.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal Uncertainty
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe new CEO has big plans, but it _______ whether the board will approve them.
The full phrase 'remains to be seen' is required for this formal context.
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct phrase and formal vocabulary ('secure a second term').
A: 'I'm sure the new software will be bug-free!' B: '_______.'
'That remains to be seen' is a perfect standalone response to express polite doubt.
Match 'Only time will tell' and 'It remains to be seen whether' to their best contexts.
'Only time will tell' is more idiomatic/casual; 'It remains to be seen' is more academic.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'if' is very common in spoken English. However, 'whether' is preferred in formal writing.
It is always 'remains' (singular) because the subject is 'It'.
Usually, we use it for the future. For the past, you would say 'It remained to be seen,' but it's much less common.
No, it's quite polite. It sounds objective and intellectual rather than aggressive.
'Time will tell' is an idiom that sounds a bit more poetic or cliché. 'It remains to be seen' is more formal and analytical.
Yes! You can use other question words like 'how,' 'who,' or 'when' after the phrase.
It might sound a bit too formal for a quick text. 'We'll see' is better for texting.
It's a passive infinitive. It means the situation is waiting 'to be observed' by us.
Absolutely. It is one of the best phrases for 'hedging' your claims in academic writing.
No. It means you are interested in the result but you don't know what it is yet.
Related Phrases
Only time will tell
similarThe truth will become clear in the future.
The jury is still out
similarA decision or opinion has not yet been reached.
Up in the air
similarUncertain or undecided.
Yet to be determined
synonymNot yet decided or discovered.
