remains as a question vs remains a question

Both phrases are correct, but the second is more common. 'Remains as a question' is used when something continues to exist in the form of a question, while 'remains a question' is used when something is still uncertain or unresolved.

Explained by Vince
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 12, 2024 • 8844 views

remains as a question

This phrase is correct and is commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that something continues to exist in the form of a question, without any changes to its nature.

Examples:

The issue remains as a question in the minds of many people.
Her motives remain as a question that puzzles everyone.

Show examples from the web [+]

"What land remains as a question mark, but that is the mystery, the joy of discovery..."
His availability for Monday's game against Pittsburgh... remains a question.
Some questions remain as to what specific role the EEA should play in implementing the infrastructure.
The question remains as to what we do next.
In addition to providing for mandatory privacy by default settings, a question remains as to whether additional, specific data protection and other measures (for example, regarding protection of minors) may also be appropriate.
A question remains, however, in relation to redeployment in Category 4.
But the question remains as to whether this accumulation of responsibilities exceeds even his level of competence.
Even assuming that we have such a secure footing, the question remains as to what conclusions should be drawn.
The question remains as to whether these countries are themselves putting enough money into tackling the millennium bug.
However, the question remains as to why Bulgaria has lagged behind so much and is bottom in terms of living standards in the European Union.
However, the question remains as to when and if at all.
The question also remains as to whether chartering would take place as the need arises or on a permanent basis.
The question therefore remains as to how to explain the persistence of the gap between perceived and actual inflation.
But a question remains still on the table: unclear is whether this proposed regulation would reduce the administrative burden both for customs and exporters.
But a woman was killed, and a question remains:
A question remains as to the setting of financial limits, of course, with the absence of an inflation supplement to adjust the financial limits in accordance with the euro exchange rate, so that the limits remain the same in real terms.
The question remains as to how we take account of the fact that bathing waters and bathing facilities vary from one European region to another.
However, the question remains as to what happens after the derogation expires in 2009?
Having established that SOEs are performing government functions, the question remains as to whether they exercise government authority in doing so.
The elections have already been postponed and questions remain as to whether the autumn elections will be a success.

Alternatives:

stays as a question
persists as a question
continues as a question
remains unanswered
remains in question

remains a question

This phrase is correct and is commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that something is still uncertain or unresolved, without specifying the form of the question.