Create uncertainty about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Create uncertainty about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations, actions, or statements that lead to doubt or ambiguity regarding a particular subject. Example: "The politician's vague statements seemed to create uncertainty about his true intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Short-term extensions create uncertainty about federal funding and make local transport planning difficult.

The Economist

Those provisions, diplomats and officials say, are being used in Kabul to create uncertainty about the new agreement.

The New York Times

The details gathered by The Post create uncertainty about where exactly he was spending the bulk of his time.

The Washington Post

But those expectations are already very low, and Mr. Dudley said the approach might merely create uncertainty about future inflation instead of lowering expectations further.

The New York Times

Only on August 27th did some 130 bosses break cover, cautiously warning in a joint letter to the Scotsman that independence would create uncertainty about tax and exports.

The Economist

Rather, they hamper effective control and create uncertainty about the future course of the disease, which is fatal in about 4percentt of patients.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Both create "uncertainties about whether auditing professionals will continue to remain actively engaged in setting auditing standards and that auditors will have sufficient latitude to respond to the needs of both investors and public companies," the organization said.

The New York Times

Public employee pension deficits are a huge drag on Illinois' economic performance, as they create uncertainties about future tax policies and raise the costs of financing for municipalities.

Forbes

Two systematic reviews of MBSR interventions for the treatment of anxiety and depression emphasize the methodological shortcomings which create uncertainties about the efficacy of treatment.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Pretending otherwise creates uncertainty about when the day of reckoning will come.

The New York Times

The manager said that the length of the lay-off created uncertainty about him.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "create uncertainty about" to introduce a discussion on the possible negative impacts of a decision or event.

Common error

Avoid using overly general subjects with "create uncertainty about". Instead of saying "things create uncertainty about the future", specify what 'things' you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create uncertainty about" functions as a verb phrase that introduces doubt or a lack of predictability regarding a specific topic. It is used to highlight potential instability or risks associated with certain actions or situations, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "create uncertainty about" is a commonly used verb phrase that serves to express doubt or highlight potential instability regarding a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across news media, scientific research, and formal business communication. While generally neutral in tone, it is most often used to express concern about potentially negative outcomes. When using the phrase, clarity in specifying the subject is crucial to avoid vagueness and enhance impact. Alternatives such as "generate doubt regarding" or "instill ambiguity concerning" may offer nuanced expressions of similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Generate doubt regarding

Changes the verb from 'create' to 'generate' and replaces 'uncertainty' with 'doubt', slightly altering the focus to the feeling of doubt itself.

Instill ambiguity concerning

Replaces 'uncertainty' with 'ambiguity' and 'about' with 'concerning', emphasizing a lack of clarity.

Foster skepticism about

Shifts the focus to fostering a general sense of doubt or disbelief.

Sow seeds of doubt regarding

Uses a metaphor to describe the act of introducing doubt.

Raise questions regarding

Focuses on the act of posing questions that lead to uncertainty.

Fuel speculation concerning

Highlights the act of encouraging speculation, which often arises from uncertainty.

Give rise to apprehension about

Shifts the focus to the feeling of apprehension that arises from uncertainty.

Induce a sense of unease regarding

Emphasizes the feeling of unease or discomfort that results from uncertainty.

Provoke misgivings about

Focuses on provoking feelings of doubt or apprehension.

Beget skepticism towards

Highlights the act of causing skepticism or doubt to arise.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "Create uncertainty about" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "generate ambiguity concerning", "induce a sense of unease regarding", or "foster skepticism about".

What verbs can be used instead of "create" in the phrase "Create uncertainty about"?

Alternatives to "create" include "generate", "induce", "foster", "raise", and "provoke". For example, "raise "questions regarding"" conveys a similar meaning.

Is "create uncertainty about" the same as "cause confusion about"?

While related, "create uncertainty about" focuses more on a lack of predictability or clarity regarding outcomes, whereas "cause confusion about" emphasizes a state of being bewildered or unclear on a topic.

Can "create uncertainty about" be used in a positive context?

Rarely. "Create uncertainty about" typically carries a negative connotation, implying potential risks or instability. It is usually deployed to warn or criticize.