a level of uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a level of uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations, conditions, or outcomes that are not fully predictable or certain. Example: "In scientific research, there is often a level of uncertainty that must be acknowledged when interpreting results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It leads to a level of uncertainty, creates more of an X factor," Mr. DuHaime said.

The New York Times

"The main thing is that there is a level of uncertainty all over Afghanistan.

The New York Times

This was a level of uncertainty well above his pay grade.

The Guardian - Business

"Central banks are running out of policy tools; that creates a level of uncertainty.

The New York Times

"To wait a year would inject a level of uncertainty for the proposition of going public".

The New York Times

So his departure will introduce a level of uncertainty about next year's election that didn't exist 24 hours ago".

The Guardian

Russia is also notorious for changing the laws for Westerners in the middle of the game, or blocking projects, creating a level of uncertainty that makes foreigners nervous.

The New York Times

It adds a level of uncertainty to any conspiracy, forcing executives engaged in price-fixing to be constantly second-guessing their partners in crime.

The New York Times

Like Marianne Moore, like W. H. Auden, he is an erratic punctuator, creating a level of uncertainty only exacerbated by the slew of typos in "Not for Specialists".

The New York Times - Books

Cisco recently warned that the spying revelations had prompted a "level of uncertainty" among foreign buyers of its network equipment that will affect its sales.

The Economist

11 prominence of national security, Republican ennui, a shifting Democratic race — all of that "leads to a level of uncertainty, creates more of an X factor," Mr. DuHaime said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a level of uncertainty", clearly specify the area or situation to which the uncertainty applies to avoid vagueness. For example, "There is a level of uncertainty in the projected sales figures."

Common error

Avoid using "a level of uncertainty" when you mean complete ignorance. Instead, consider using phrases like "complete unknown" or "total speculation" to accurately convey the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a level of uncertainty" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the extent or degree to which something is not known or predictable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a level of uncertainty" is a versatile noun phrase used to express the degree to which something is unknown or unpredictable. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While the phrase itself is neutral, its presence often suggests a need for caution or further investigation. When incorporating "a level of uncertainty" into your writing, ensure that you provide specific context to enhance clarity. You may also consider alternatives like "a degree of doubt" or "some unpredictability" to add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some unpredictability

Draws attention to the impossibility of foreseeing future events with precision.

a degree of doubt

Emphasizes the presence of doubt or skepticism, rather than a general lack of certainty.

a certain vagueness

Indicates a lack of clarity or specificity, rather than complete uncertainty.

a state of ambiguity

Focuses on the unclear or indefinite nature of a situation, shifting from uncertainty to ambiguity.

a considerable question mark

Emphasizes that the matter is still up to debate, lacking information or details.

a margin of error

Highlights potential inaccuracies in measurements or predictions, particularly in scientific or statistical contexts.

an element of chance

Focuses on the role of randomness or luck, rather than a general lack of certainty.

a potential risk

Highlights the possibility of negative consequences due to incomplete knowledge or unforeseen events.

a provisional understanding

Highlights that knowledge is not definitive and is subject to change.

a fluctuating outlook

Suggests that perspectives are not definitive and are subject to change.

FAQs

How can I use "a level of uncertainty" in a sentence?

You can use "a level of uncertainty" to describe situations where outcomes are not fully predictable or guaranteed. For example, "The new policy introduces "a level of uncertainty" for small businesses."

What phrases are similar to "a level of uncertainty"?

Similar phrases include "a degree of doubt", "some unpredictability", or "a state of ambiguity", each conveying a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to use "a degree of uncertainty" or "a level of uncertainty"?

Both "a degree of uncertainty" and ""a level of uncertainty"" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What does it mean when someone says there's "a level of uncertainty"?

It means that there are aspects of a situation or outcome that are not fully known or predictable, implying a risk or possibility of deviation from expectations.