What is remaining? Pronunciation and usage in English

remaining means . Learn how to pronounce and use remaining through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of remaining

remainingadjective

/rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of remaining

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "remaining." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "remaining" is actually two syllables:

  • re (as in "red")
  • main (as in "mane" - the hair on a horse)

2. Phonetic Breakdown (using IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet - helpful for precise pronunciation):

  • /rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ/

Let's break that down further:

  • /rɪ/ - This is a quick, relaxed "r" sound. It's not a strong, rolled "r." Think of the "ri" in "ride."
  • /ˈmeɪ/ - This is the first syllable. The emphasis (ˈ) is on this syllable. It sounds like "may" - the emotion or action.
  • /nɪŋ/ - This is the second syllable. It sounds like "ning," with a short "i" sound. The "ng" sound is like the sound at the end of "sing."

3. How to Say It (Step-by-Step):

  1. Start with a quick "ri" sound: "Ri..."
  2. Say "may": "...may"
  3. Add a short "i" sound: "...may-ing"

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't roll your "r": The "r" is a light and quick sound, not a rolled "r" like you might hear in Spanish.
  • Stress: Make sure to put the emphasis (stress) on the second syllable ("main"). Saying “re-MAINING” is incorrect.
  • The "ng" sound: Ensure the "ng" sound is clear and smooth.

Resources for Hearing it Pronounced:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • What specific part of the pronunciation are you struggling with the most? (e.g., the "r," the "ng," the stress?)

Usage and examples with the word remaining in English

Let's break down how to use the word "remaining" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings and uses. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. As an Adjective (Most Common Use):

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent way "remaining" is used. It describes something that is left over after some have been taken away, used, or destroyed.
  • Examples:
    • "There are only remaining apples in the basket." (Meaning: There are a few apples left.)
    • "The remaining students took the test." (Meaning: The students who hadn’t already taken it.)
    • "She had a remaining balance of $20 on her account." (Meaning: A leftover amount.)
    • "The remaining time on the clock was ticking down." (Meaning: The amount of time left.)

2. As a Noun:

  • Meaning: In this case, "remaining" refers to the thing that is left over. It's the leftover quantity or entity.
  • Examples:
    • "The remaining amount of the budget was used for travel expenses." (The leftover money.)
    • "Let's talk about the remaining issues we need to address." (The issues that still need to be dealt with.)
    • “After dinner, the remaining dessert was shared among the guests." (The leftover dessert.)

3. With "Time Remaining":

  • Meaning: This phrase refers to the amount of time left until something happens.
  • Examples:
    • "We have only 30 minutes remaining before the meeting starts."
    • "There's plenty of time remaining to finish the project."

4. Phrases with “Remaining”:

  • Remaining in: To continue to be in a place or state.
    • "He remained calm despite the chaos." (He continued to be calm.)
    • "She remained a close friend throughout the years." (She continued to be a friend.)
  • Remaining with: To stay with someone.
    • "He remained with his family after graduating." (He stayed with his family.)

Tips for Using "Remaining" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “remaining” depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Think 'Leftover': If you’re describing something that's left over after something else is done, “remaining” is likely the right choice.
  • Synonyms: Consider synonyms like "left," "surviving," "leftover," "unspent," or "unaccounted for" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Let's test your understanding. Can you create a sentence using "remaining" in each of the ways described above (as an adjective, as a noun, and in the phrase “time remaining”)?

Synonyms for the word remaining

Practice with vocabulary remaining

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After the initial review, there were still several critical issues ______________ that required immediate attention.
  2. Please ensure all ______________ documents are submitted by the end of the day to finalize your application.
  3. The project budget includes a contingency fund to cover any ______________ expenses that might arise during the final phase.
  4. Despite significant progress, the team is still working on the ______________ challenges of integrating the new software module.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Due to the unexpected delay, we only have a short period of time ______________ to complete the presentation. a) remaining b) residual c) lasting d) left over

  2. Which word best describes the portion of a task that has not yet been accomplished? a) completed b) pending c) finished d) remaining

  3. The committee decided to postpone discussion on the ______________ agenda items until the next meeting. a) subsequent b) outstanding c) ongoing d) remaining

  4. To ensure fairness, the company will distribute the ______________ profits among its employees. a) surplus b) excessive c) additional d) leftover

  5. The final payment for the equipment is ______________ next Monday. a) due b) overdue c) outstanding d) current

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. There are still a few questions unanswered from the client's query. (Rewrite using "remaining" or a related word form.)
  2. We have three more sessions of training before the project launch. (Rewrite using "remaining" or a related word form.)
  3. The rest of the team will arrive tomorrow morning for the workshop. (Rewrite without using "remaining" or similar words like "rest," "left," or "residual.")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After the initial review, there were still several critical issues remaining that required immediate attention.
  2. Please ensure all remaining documents are submitted by the end of the day to finalize your application.
  3. The project budget includes a contingency fund to cover any outstanding expenses that might arise during the final phase.
  4. Despite significant progress, the team is still working on the ongoing challenges of integrating the new software module.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) remaining, d) left over
  2. b) pending, d) remaining
  3. b) outstanding, d) remaining
  4. a) surplus
  5. a) due

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. There are still a few remaining questions from the client's query.
  2. The three remaining training sessions will take place before the project launch.
  3. The subsequent team members will arrive tomorrow morning for the workshop.

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