What is remains? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of remains

remainsnoun

/rɪˈmeɪnz/
Definition & pronunciation of remains

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /rɪˈmeɪnz/ (rhymes with "mine" and "friends")

Let's break down each syllable:

  • re-: Pronounced like the "re" in "red" - a quick, short "r" sound.
  • -main-: This is the tricky part. It's pronounced like "mine" - /maɪn/. It’s not like "remain" (which has a longer "a" sound). Think of it as the "mine" sound.
  • -s: Pronounced like the "s" in "says."

Here's a more detailed breakdown with phonetic symbols (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/rɪˈmeɪnz/

  • rɪ: The 'r' is a retroflex 'r' - (this is an approximation for most speakers - it's a sound made by curling your tongue back slightly in your mouth). You can approximate it by making a normal "r" but with your tongue slightly curled back.
  • ˈmeɪnz: This syllable is stressed (indicated by the 'ˈ'). It’s pronounced as /meɪn/ (like "mine").

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Focus on "mine": Really practice saying "mine" repeatedly. That's the core sound of the second syllable.
  • Don't lengthen the "a": Resist the urge to say it like "remain" – that's a common mistake.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search for "how to pronounce remains" on YouTube or use online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary, which have audio pronunciations.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "remains"?

Usage and examples with the word remains in English

Let's break down how to use the word "remains" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (Most Common Usage - What's Left Over)

  • Meaning: The thing or part that is left after something has been taken away, used up, or destroyed. It’s about what still exists.
  • Examples:
    • "There were only a few cookies remains left after the party." (Meaning: what little cookie remains)
    • "The castle remains a popular tourist attraction." (Meaning: the castle still exists and is visited)
    • "He had very little remains of his former wealth." (Meaning: the little money or possessions he had left)
    • "The road remains closed due to the landslide." (Meaning: the road hasn’t been reopened)

2. As a Verb (Meaning To Stay or Continue)

  • Meaning: To stay in the same condition or place; to continue to be. It emphasizes persistence.
  • Examples:
    • "Despite the damage, the building remains standing." (Meaning: the building continues to stay standing)
    • "She remains optimistic about the future." (Meaning: she continues to be optimistic)
    • "He remains a close friend, even though they live far apart." (Meaning: he continues to be a close friend)
    • "The question remains unanswered." (Meaning: the question still hasn’t been answered)

3. More Formal/Literary Uses

  • Meaning: Can sometimes imply something solemn or significant - a memory or trace.
  • Examples:
    • “His memory remains vivid in his family’s hearts.” (Suggests a strong, lasting memory)
    • “The ancient ruins remain a testament to a lost civilization.” (Highlights the significance of the ruins)

Key Distinctions & Tips:

  • Noun vs. Verb: Pay close attention to whether you're using “remains” as a thing (noun) or an action (verb).
  • "Remain" vs. "Remains": Notice the difference in spelling. “Remain” is the base form verb. "Remains" is the plural form of the noun. (Though "remains" as a verb is still used - “He remains” – it's less common.)
  • Context is Crucial: The precise meaning of “remains” depends heavily on the context of the sentence.

Here’s a table summarizing the uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun What’s left over "The remains of the cake were delicious."
Verb To stay, continue “She remains happy with her decision.”

Resources for More Practice:

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "remains" in? (e.g., writing a story, an email, a formal essay?)

Synonyms for the word remains

Practice with vocabulary remains

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The primary challenge for the project ______ its strict budget and tight deadline.
  2. Despite the setbacks, her commitment to the research ______ unwavering throughout the difficult period.
  3. Archaeologists discovered ancient ______ of a Roman settlement beneath the city, including pottery shards and structural foundations.
  4. The scattered ______ of the broken vase were carefully collected by the curator for restoration.

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

  1. The exact cause of the system malfunction ______ unclear even after extensive investigation. a) persisted b) remained c) stayed d) endured
  2. After the fire, only the charred ______ of the historic building were salvageable. a) remnants b) relics c) remains d) fragments
  3. Despite the pressure, the CEO chose to ______ silent on the merger rumors during the press conference. a) maintain b) keep c) uphold d) abide
  4. He ______ dedicated to his duties, often working late into the night to meet project deadlines. a) persevered b) continued c) remained d) maintained
  5. The museum showcased several priceless ______ from the ancient civilization, offering insights into their daily lives. a) artifacts b) residues c) excerpts d) leftovers

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Despite the company's best efforts, a significant portion of the work is still unfinished. Rewrite: (Use "remains" or a related word form)
  2. Original: The collection of ancient bones discovered at the excavation site provides vital information about prehistoric life. Rewrite: (Use "remains" or a related word form)
  3. Original: It is imperative to ensure that all safety protocols are followed during the experiment. Rewrite: (Do NOT use "remains" or any related word form)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The primary challenge for the project remains its strict budget and tight deadline.
  2. Despite the setbacks, her commitment to the research proved unwavering throughout the difficult period.
  3. Archaeologists discovered ancient remains of a Roman settlement beneath the city, including pottery shards and structural foundations.
  4. The scattered fragments of the broken vase were carefully collected by the curator for restoration.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) remained (a) persisted
  2. a) remnants (c) remains
  3. b) keep
  4. c) remained
  5. a) artifacts

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite: A significant portion of the work still remains unfinished despite the company's best efforts.
  2. Rewrite: The ancient bone remains discovered at the excavation site provide vital information about prehistoric life.
  3. Rewrite: It is imperative to verify that all safety protocols are followed during the experiment.

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