I'm unsure of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I'm unsure of" is correct and can be used in written English
It is typically used when someone is expressing uncertainty or doubt about something. It can also be used to show a lack of confidence or knowledge in a particular subject. Example: "I'm unsure of the best way to approach this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I'm unsure of my destination.

The New Yorker

I'm unsure of what to do.

The New York Times

Weeks later, I'm unsure of what to write, and this is part of the nameless American feeling.

The New Yorker

I'm unsure of how to react to this, as well as to his assertion that he was "always a freelance journalist" during the conflict in Bosnia.

The Guardian

As this is very much standard practice for all of the agents contacted, with no leeway for negotiation, I'm unsure of what to do.

The Guardian - Money

Maybe every once in a while if I'm unsure of a move I might feel a little bit, but not like trembling all over or anything".

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

I am unsure of the outcome.

The New York Times

"But I was unsure of how to do it".

The New York Times - Sports

I am unsure of my place in the world.

The New York Times

With college applications finally here, I am unsure of my once resolute choices.

The New York Times

"I was unsure of myself coming out of high school," Eli said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal academic writing, consider using the non-contracted form "I am unsure of" or the more clinical "it is uncertain whether" to maintain a professional distance.

Common error

A frequent mistake is using "of" when a full clause follows. Use "I'm unsure of" before nouns, but use "I'm unsure whether" or "I'm unsure if" before a subject and a verb. For example, say "I'm unsure of the result" but "I'm unsure if the result is correct".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'm unsure of" functions as a subject-complement construction where the subject "I" is linked by a contracted copular verb "'m" to the adjective phrase "unsure of". According to Ludwig AI, the preposition "of" acts as a complementizer that introduces the object of the uncertainty, typically a noun phrase or a relative clause.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I'm unsure of" is a highly effective and grammatically sound phrase used to articulate uncertainty. Ludwig AI data indicates that it is a staple of professional journalism and scientific reporting, appearing frequently in top-tier publications like The New York Times. It is most effective when introducing a noun or a gerund that defines the scope of one's doubt. While it is perfectly acceptable in most writing, authors should be mindful of the distinction between using "of" for noun phrases and using "if" or "whether" for full clauses. By following the examples provided by Ludwig, writers can use this phrase to project honesty and careful consideration in their prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm uncertain about

Uses a more formal adjective and a different preposition to convey the same meaning.

I'm not sure of

Uses a standard negation of "sure" instead of the prefix "un-".

I'm unclear about

Suggests a lack of clarity or understanding rather than just a lack of certainty.

I'm dubious of

Adds a layer of suspicion or skepticism to the uncertainty.

I'm skeptical of

Stronger than simple uncertainty, implying an active doubt about truth or validity.

I'm undecided on

Specific to situations where a choice or a verdict has not yet been reached.

I'm hesitant regarding

Implies that the uncertainty is causing a delay in action or speech.

I'm conflicted about

Suggests having opposing feelings or thoughts rather than just missing information.

I'm wavering on

Conveys a sense of changing one's mind or being unstable in one's position.

I'm ambivalent toward

Suggests having mixed or contradictory feelings about a subject.

FAQs

Is it "I'm unsure of" or "I'm unsure about"?

Both are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. However, "unsure of" is frequently used for specific facts or objects, while "unsure about" often refers to broader situations or feelings.

When should I use "I'm unsure of" in a sentence?

Use it to express personal doubt or lack of information regarding a noun or gerund. Example: "I'm unsure of the procedure" or "I'm unsure of going there alone".

What is a more formal way to say "I'm unsure of"?

In professional contexts, you can use "I am uncertain regarding" or "I lack certainty about" to sound more formal.

Can I use "I'm unsure of" to start a sentence?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "unsure of the consequences, he decided to wait" when used as a participial phrase, or simply as a direct statement in dialogue.