Understanding the Idiom: 'Remains to be Seen'

In episode 407 of the Everybody ESL podcast, host Ben provides a detailed breakdown of a common and highly useful English expression: "remains to be seen." This phrase is an essential tool for any English learner looking to express uncertainty or the need for further evidence regarding a future outcome.

Definition and Usage

At its core, the phrase "remains to be seen" is used when something is "still not clear" or "still not certain." Ben explains that speakers use this expression when they want to convey that the ultimate outcome or truth of a situation is currently unknown, and therefore, one must "wait to see how something happens" or "wait to see the result of something."

When a situation is unresolved, people frequently use the phrase in constructions such as:

• "That remains to be seen."
• "It remains to be seen."

Contextual Example

To illustrate how the phrase functions in a real-world scenario, Ben presents a workplace dialogue. Suppose two colleagues are debating a new office policy. One person expresses concern, stating, "I think this new rule will mean that we have to spend too much money," implying the rule is inherently negative. The second person might respond with, "Well, I think that remains to be seen."

By saying this, the second speaker is explicitly stating that the negative outcome is not yet a foregone conclusion. They are arguing that the situation is "still unclear or uncertain" and that they must wait for the actual results to manifest before declaring the policy a failure.

Linguistic Breakdown

Ben breaks down the etymology of the phrase to help learners grasp why it carries this specific meaning:

1. "Remains": The verb to remain means "to stay or continue being a certain way."
2. The Implication: When we say it "remains to be seen," we are noting that the state of not knowing is continuing. The situation is frozen in a state where we still need to wait for more information.
3. The Action: It literally means that the truth or the outcome is still waiting to be observed or understood.

Register and Tone

An important caveat provided by Ben is the register of this phrase. While it is a "perfectly fine phrase" to use in many contexts, he notes that it can "sound a little bit formal."

Because of this level of formality, learners should be aware that they will likely encounter this expression "in writing more than [they] will hear this in conversation." While it is not strictly prohibited in casual speech, it is important for learners to recognize that it carries a slightly more serious or objective tone than more colloquial expressions of uncertainty.

Conclusion

"Remains to be seen" is a sophisticated and highly effective way to articulate doubt or the necessity of patience in any given situation. By understanding its formal roots and its precise usage in scenarios where the truth is yet to be revealed, learners can add a valuable piece of nuance to their English vocabulary. As Ben encourages his listeners, the key to mastering such phrases is to "keep going, keep practicing, and keep learning."