When we talk about something remaining, we are talking about what is left. Imagine you have ten cookies, and you eat two. The eight cookies you still have are the remaining cookies.
It can also describe tasks. If you have five chores to do and you finish three, the two chores you still need to do are the remaining chores.
So, remaining helps us understand what is left over from an original amount or group, whether it's objects, time, or tasks.
When we talk about something remaining, we are referring to what is left over from an original amount or group. This can apply to objects, time, or tasks. For instance, if you have ten cookies and eat two, the eight cookies are the remaining ones. It's often used to indicate what still needs to be addressed or completed from an initial quantity. Understanding 'remaining' helps in managing resources and planning, as it highlights what is still available or pending.
At the C1 CEFR level, "remaining" signifies more than just a leftover quantity; it often implies a strategic or consequential balance. It refers to the constituent elements, tasks, or resources that persist after a deliberate reduction, expenditure, or partial fulfillment of an initial whole. The term frequently arises in contexts demanding nuanced consideration of what continues to be relevant or actionable from an original set, highlighting a stage where strategic decisions are made concerning the ongoing utility or disposition of these elements. Thus, "remaining" carries an implication of ongoing relevance or potential, requiring evaluation within a broader operational or conceptual framework.
§ The Multifaceted Use of "Remaining"
The word "remaining" is a versatile term in the English language, frequently encountered in various contexts, from everyday conversations to formal reports. It functions both as an adjective and a noun, allowing for flexibility in its application. Essentially, it helps us quantify and refer to what is left over after a portion has been utilized, removed, or completed. Understanding its nuances is crucial for clear and effective communication, especially at the CEFR B1 level where comprehending and producing more complex ideas becomes important.
- DEFINITION
- Remaining refers to what is left after a part has been taken, used, or completed. It describes the portion that continues to exist or needs to be dealt with from an original quantity or group.
§ "Remaining" in the Workplace
In a professional setting, "remaining" is indispensable for managing resources, tracking progress, and allocating tasks. It helps teams understand what still needs to be done or what resources are still available.
- Project Management: When discussing project timelines or tasks, you might hear phrases like "the remaining tasks for this sprint." This clearly indicates the work that has not yet been completed.
- Resource Allocation: In finance or inventory, it's common to talk about "the remaining budget" or "the remaining stock of materials." This helps in planning future actions.
- Meeting Summaries: At the end of a meeting, someone might summarize, "We will discuss the remaining points in our next session."
We need to allocate the remaining funds before the end of the fiscal year.
The remaining issues will be addressed in the next team meeting.
§ "Remaining" in Educational Settings
In academic environments, "remaining" is often used to refer to parts of a course, assignments, or time left for study or exams.
- Coursework: A teacher might say, "You have two remaining assignments for this semester."
- Time Management: Students might discuss "the remaining time before the deadline."
- Exams: During an exam, an invigilator might announce, "There are 15 remaining minutes."
We need to review the remaining chapters before the final exam.
Please submit your remaining work by Friday.
§ "Remaining" in News and Public Discourse
News reports and public discussions often use "remaining" to convey information about ongoing situations, particularly when reporting on elections, disasters, or economic situations.
- Election Results: You might hear news anchors say, "With 70% of the votes counted, the remaining 30% could still change the outcome."
- Disaster Relief: Reporters often update on "the remaining survivors" or "the remaining challenges in the recovery effort."
- Economic Reports: Financial news might discuss "the remaining portion of the stimulus package."
The search team is focused on finding any remaining survivors after the earthquake.
Despite the efforts, significant remaining challenges persist in providing aid to the affected region.
§ Common Phrases and Synonyms
To further grasp the usage of "remaining," consider these common phrases and synonyms:
- Common Phrases:
- "The remaining balance" (often in financial contexts)
- "For the remaining part of the day/week/year"
- "The remaining few" (referring to people or items)
- Synonyms:
- Leftover
- Residual
- Outstanding (especially for tasks or payments)
- Surplus (when referring to an excess amount)
- Undone (for tasks or work)
§ Conclusion
The word "remaining" is a fundamental component of effective communication, enabling us to precisely describe quantities, tasks, and time that are still present or incomplete. Its consistent use across various sectors highlights its importance in conveying clear and concise information. Mastering its usage will undoubtedly enhance your fluency and comprehension at the CEFR B1 level and beyond.
§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Remaining' vs. Alternatives
The word 'remaining' is versatile, acting as both an adjective and a noun to describe what is left after a portion has been taken, used, or completed. Understanding its nuances compared to similar words is key to precise communication.
- Left (adjective, adverb, noun)
- 'Left' is a very common and often interchangeable alternative for 'remaining', especially in informal contexts. As an adjective, it implies something that continues to exist or hasn't been used. As a noun, it refers to what is physically or figuratively still present.
There are only a few cookies left in the jar.
What's left of the cake is for tomorrow.
- Residual (adjective, noun)
- 'Residual' often implies a small amount or trace that is left over, typically after a process or event. It carries a slightly more formal or scientific tone than 'remaining'.
The cleaning process removed most of the dirt, but some residual stains persisted.
- Surplus (noun, adjective)
- 'Surplus' refers to an amount that is more than what is needed or used. While it implies something 'left over', it specifically points to an excess. 'Remaining' can refer to what's left, whether it's an excess or just the normal amount that hasn't been consumed yet.
The company reported a surplus of funds at the end of the fiscal year.
- Unused (adjective)
- 'Unused' specifically means something that has not been put into use or consumed. It's a direct synonym for 'remaining' when the context is about consumption or application.
We have a lot of unused stationery from last year's conference.
- Outstanding (adjective)
- When referring to tasks or debts, 'outstanding' is a good alternative to 'remaining'. It implies something that still needs to be done or paid. It often carries a connotation of being incomplete or pending.
There are several outstanding issues that need to be addressed before the project can be completed.
- Balance (noun)
- As a noun, 'balance' can often be used interchangeably with 'the remaining part' or 'the remainder', especially when referring to a sum of money or a quantity from which a part has been taken. It often suggests a state of equilibrium or what is needed to complete something.
Please pay the balance of your account by the end of the month.
§ When to Choose 'Remaining'
'Remaining' is a solid choice when you want a neutral and clear term for what is left. It is particularly useful in:
- Formal or semi-formal contexts: It sounds more polished than 'left'.
- Situations where ambiguity needs to be avoided: Unlike 'left', it doesn't have other common meanings.
- Describing duration or quantity: Often used with time ('the remaining hours') or items ('the remaining pieces').
- When emphasizing what is yet to be dealt with: It can imply a continuation or a task still at hand.
The remaining chapters of the book are crucial to understanding the plot.
We need to consider the remaining options carefully.
How Formal Is It?
"The analysis focused on the residual effects of the medication."
"The remaining items will be distributed tomorrow."
"Do you want to take the leftover pizza home?"
"How many cookies are left in the jar?"
"We're down to the dregs of the coffee; someone needs to make more."
按水平分级的例句
Please eat the remaining cookies.
Por favor, come las galletas restantes.
There are only a few remaining seats.
Solo quedan unos pocos asientos.
The remaining students went home.
Los estudiantes restantes se fueron a casa.
What will we do with the remaining food?
¿Qué haremos con la comida restante?
She spent the remaining money on a new book.
Ella gastó el dinero restante en un libro nuevo.
The remaining time is very short.
El tiempo restante es muy corto.
He took the remaining pieces of cake.
Él tomó los trozos restantes de pastel.
We need to find the remaining parts for the puzzle.
Necesitamos encontrar las piezas restantes para el rompecabezas.
语法模式
句型
The remaining [noun]...
The remaining tickets were quickly sold out.
[Noun] remaining...
There were only a few cookies remaining in the jar.
A [number] remaining...
There were 10 minutes remaining in the game.
The [adjective] remaining [noun]...
The few remaining books were stacked neatly.
[Noun] that remained...
The energy that remained was used for the final push.
What remains of the [noun]...
What remains of the cake is for dessert.
To use the remaining [noun]...
We need to use the remaining ingredients before they expire.
For the remaining [period of time]...
For the remaining part of the day, we will relax.
小贴士
Contextual Learning
Always try to learn new words, like 'remaining', within a sentence or a phrase. This helps you understand its usage naturally.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Explore words with similar meanings (e.g., 'leftover', 'residual') and opposite meanings (e.g., 'consumed', 'gone') for 'remaining' to broaden your vocabulary.
Practice Pronunciation
Say 'remaining' out loud multiple times. Pay attention to the stressed syllables to improve your speaking skills.
Flashcards
Create flashcards with 'remaining' on one side and its definition, synonyms, and an example sentence on the other.
Use in Writing
Actively use 'remaining' in your own sentences when writing emails, essays, or even social media posts. This reinforces your understanding.
Identify Word Type
Remember that 'remaining' can function as both an adjective (e.g., 'the remaining pieces') and a noun (e.g., 'the remaining of the cake').
Listen for the Word
Try to spot 'remaining' when watching English movies, TV shows, or listening to podcasts. Hearing it in different contexts helps.
Create Example Sentences
Make up several of your own sentences using 'remaining'. For example, 'The remaining time is limited,' or 'I'll eat the remaining later.'
Visual Association
When you hear 'remaining', try to visualize something that is partially used or still present, like a partly eaten apple.
Etymology (Optional)
For advanced learners, understanding the origin or root of words like 'remaining' (from 'remain') can sometimes provide deeper insight into its meaning.
常见问题
10 个问题When 'remaining' is used as an adjective, it describes a noun, like 'the remaining pieces of cake.' As a noun, it refers to what is left over, as in 'Please eat the remaining.' The context often makes it clear.
Yes, absolutely! You can have 'the remaining students' (countable) or 'the remaining sugar' (uncountable). It works for both.
It's a fairly neutral word, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. You'll hear it in everyday conversation and see it in official documents.
Certainly! Some common synonyms include 'left,' 'leftover,' 'residual,' and 'outstanding.' The best choice often depends on the specific context.
Of course! 'We need to finish the remaining tasks before the end of the day.' Here, 'remaining' describes the tasks that are still left to do.
The opposite of 'remaining' would generally be something like 'used,' 'gone,' 'completed,' or 'taken.' It refers to what is no longer there.
Not at all! While it can be about physical objects, it can also refer to abstract things, like 'the remaining time' or 'the remaining issues to discuss.'
Yes, you can. For example, 'There are only two remaining weeks until the concert.' It signifies what is left before an event happens.
Not necessarily. 'Remaining' simply means what is left. It could be a small amount or a large amount, depending on the context. For instance, 'The remaining forest covers a vast area.'
'Remaining' is an adjective or noun referring to what is left, while 'remainder' is strictly a noun and means the part that is left over. They are very closely related in meaning.
自我测试 48 个问题
Listen for how many cookies are left.
Listen for who went home.
Listen for what kind of questions are being asked.
Read this aloud:
The remaining juice is for you.
Focus: re-MAIN-ing
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
I will eat the remaining apple.
Focus: re-MAIN-ing APP-l
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Are there any remaining tickets?
Focus: re-MAIN-ing TICK-ets
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
After we ate some pizza, there was only a small ___ slice left.
'Remaining' means what is left. A 'remaining slice' is the slice that is left.
We used most of the sugar. How much ___ sugar do we have?
'Remaining' refers to the part that is left. So, 'remaining sugar' is the sugar that is left.
The concert lasted for two hours. For the ___ time, the band played their best songs.
'Remaining time' means the time that is left from the total duration of the concert.
If you have 10 apples and eat 2, the remaining apples are 8.
If you start with 10 apples and eat 2, you have 8 apples left. 'Remaining' refers to what is left.
When a task is finished, there are still remaining parts to do.
If a task is finished, there are no parts remaining to do. 'Remaining' means what is left to do.
After everyone left the party, there were no remaining guests.
If everyone left, there are no guests left. So, there are no 'remaining guests'.
The number of tickets left.
Where the rest of the cake is.
When to complete the unfinished work.
Read this aloud:
Is there any remaining food?
Focus: re-MAIN-ing
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
The remaining students need to sign up.
Focus: stu-dents, sign up
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
What are the remaining items on the list?
Focus: re-MAIN-ing, i-tems
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you have a cake and you eat half of it. What do you do with the remaining cake? Write 1-2 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I would put the remaining cake in the fridge. Maybe I will eat it later or share it with my family.
You have five apples, and you give two to your friend. How many apples are remaining? Write a short sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
There are three remaining apples.
Write a sentence using the word 'remaining' to describe something that is left.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I need to finish the remaining pages of my book.
How many cookies are remaining?
Read this passage:
Sarah had ten cookies. She ate three of them. The remaining cookies are still on the table. She will share them with her brother.
How many cookies are remaining?
Sarah started with ten cookies and ate three, so 10 - 3 = 7 remaining cookies.
Sarah started with ten cookies and ate three, so 10 - 3 = 7 remaining cookies.
Where is the remaining pizza?
Read this passage:
Tom bought a big pizza. He ate two slices for lunch. The remaining pizza is in the box. He plans to eat it for dinner.
Where is the remaining pizza?
The passage states, 'The remaining pizza is in the box.'
The passage states, 'The remaining pizza is in the box.'
How many students were remaining in the classroom?
Read this passage:
There were five students in the classroom. Two students left early. The remaining students continued their lesson.
How many students were remaining in the classroom?
There were five students and two left, so 5 - 2 = 3 remaining students.
There were five students and two left, so 5 - 2 = 3 remaining students.
This sentence describes the location of the cookies that are left.
This sentence talks about the work that still needs to be completed.
This question asks about the number of days left until a specific event.
Imagine you're planning a small party. You have a budget, and you've already bought some things. Describe what you still need to buy and why, using the word 'remaining'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I've spent most of my party budget on food, but I still have some remaining funds. With the remaining money, I need to buy decorations and drinks. It's important to have a festive atmosphere and refreshments for my guests.
You have a task to complete by the end of the day. Describe what parts of the task are 'remaining' and what you plan to do to finish them.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My main task for today is to write a report. I've already finished the introduction and two sections. The remaining part of the task is to write the conclusion and proofread the entire document. I plan to focus on the conclusion first, then spend the last hour carefully checking for any errors.
Think about a journey you've taken or would like to take. Describe the 'remaining' distance or time to your destination and how you feel about it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I'm on a road trip to the mountains. We've been driving for a few hours, and now the remaining distance is about 100 kilometers. I'm feeling excited and a bit tired, but knowing we don't have much further to go makes me happy.
What did the manager do with the remaining items?
Read this passage:
After the big sale, there were only a few shirts left on the rack. The manager decided to offer an even bigger discount on the remaining items to clear out the stock. Customers quickly bought up what was left.
What did the manager do with the remaining items?
The passage states, 'The manager decided to offer an even bigger discount on the remaining items to clear out the stock.'
The passage states, 'The manager decided to offer an even bigger discount on the remaining items to clear out the stock.'
How much longer would it take to finish the remaining tasks?
Read this passage:
The team had worked hard all day, but there was still a lot to do. They looked at the list and realized the remaining tasks would take another two hours to complete. They decided to take a short break before continuing.
How much longer would it take to finish the remaining tasks?
The passage clearly states, 'the remaining tasks would take another two hours to complete.'
The passage clearly states, 'the remaining tasks would take another two hours to complete.'
How many slices of pizza were left?
Read this passage:
My friend and I shared a large pizza. I ate three slices, and he ate two. There were three remaining slices left on the plate. We decided to save them for a snack later.
How many slices of pizza were left?
The passage says, 'There were three remaining slices left on the plate.'
The passage says, 'There were three remaining slices left on the plate.'
This sentence correctly uses 'remaining' as an adjective to describe the tasks that are left.
In this sentence, 'remaining' acts as a noun, referring to the leftover portion of the cake.
Here, 'remaining' modifies 'funds,' indicating the money that was left after some was spent.
The board meeting concluded with only a few ______ items on the agenda, necessitating a follow-up session next week.
In this context, 'pending' most accurately describes items that are left and need to be dealt with, aligning with the definition of 'remaining' in a formal setting.
After the principal deductions, the ______ balance in his account was barely enough to cover his monthly expenses.
'Net' refers to what is left after all deductions, which is synonymous with the concept of 'remaining' funds.
Despite the significant challenges, a ______ sense of optimism permeated the team, driving them to persevere.
'Lingering' describes something that continues to exist or stay, often for a long time, which fits the idea of a 'remaining' feeling or quality.
The archaeologist carefully cataloged the ______ fragments of the ancient pottery, hoping to reconstruct the original vessel.
'Scattered' refers to items that are spread out but are what 'remain' from a larger, perhaps broken, object.
With only a ______ segment of the journey left, the explorers pushed on, eager to reach their destination.
'Minor' in this context suggests a small or relatively unimportant part that 'remains' from the whole, aligning with the definition.
The ______ issues from the previous project meeting were tabled for discussion at the next quarterly review.
'Outstanding' refers to issues that are still pending or not yet dealt with, perfectly capturing the essence of 'remaining' tasks or problems.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Contextual Learning
Always try to learn new words, like 'remaining', within a sentence or a phrase. This helps you understand its usage naturally.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Explore words with similar meanings (e.g., 'leftover', 'residual') and opposite meanings (e.g., 'consumed', 'gone') for 'remaining' to broaden your vocabulary.
Practice Pronunciation
Say 'remaining' out loud multiple times. Pay attention to the stressed syllables to improve your speaking skills.
Flashcards
Create flashcards with 'remaining' on one side and its definition, synonyms, and an example sentence on the other.
