a range of uncertainties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a range of uncertainties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing various possible outcomes or factors that are not certain in a particular context, such as in research, decision-making, or risk assessment. Example: "The project faced a range of uncertainties that made it difficult to predict the final outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

In this paper, the effect of a range of uncertainties on the modal statistics of structures is numerically characterised.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

And all of that, plus relatively high valuations, plus the negative impacts of globalization in a period when things start contracting, create for a range of uncertainties beyond that of a typical cyclical decline.

The New York Times

We then present a computational framework based on this structure to quantitatively model species representation and persistence outcomes across a range of uncertainties.

Ecological Informatics

The defence review that will follow the 2010 general election must define a force structure that can be used in the national interest against a range of uncertainties, from domestic security and protection of air space and adjacent seas to rescue of civilians from combat zones abroad – and indeed protection of UK overseas territories, most of which are island communities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Chinese leaders are grappling with a range of uncertainties, from the once-a-decade leadership transition this year that has been marred by a seismic political scandal, to a slowdown of growth in an economy in which deeply entrenched state-owned enterprises and their political patrons have hobbled market forces and private entrepreneurship.

The New York Times

Crucially, this aspect potentially opens up to the policy analyst new avenues for intervention, and allows her systematically explore, given a range of uncertainties, which element(s) of intervention is are) the most vital to achieve the goals of the community.

Energy Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

There is a range of uncertainty around exactly how frequently major flooding events will occur, based on different rates of sea level rise and hurricane occurrence.

The Guardian

The earlier model had projected that the period 2012-16 would be 0.54C above that long-term average - within a range of uncertainty from 0.36-0.72C.

The Guardian

First, measurements may contain errors or have a range of uncertainty.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

There is a range of uncertainty but it is not impossible to get a good idea of what a field contains.

The Guardian

By 2100 we'd have 3.5 C of warming (6.3 F, with a range of uncertainty from 3.6 to 8.2 F).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a range of uncertainties", clearly define or contextualize the specific uncertainties to ensure clarity for your audience. This avoids ambiguity and allows for more targeted analysis or planning.

Common error

Avoid using "a range of uncertainties" as a vague catch-all. Instead, strive to identify and categorize the different types of uncertainties involved to provide a more nuanced and informative analysis. Generic use diminishes the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a range of uncertainties" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI analysis of the provided examples shows it typically serves to describe a situation or context characterized by multiple uncertain or unpredictable factors. It can also act as the subject or object of a sentence, depending on how it is used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a range of uncertainties" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe situations involving multiple uncertain factors. As Ludwig AI analysis indicates, while recognized as correct, it's best used with clear context to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "a spectrum of unknowns" or "various imponderables" to achieve nuanced expression. Predominantly found in science, news, and academic contexts, this phrase serves to acknowledge and emphasize unpredictability, urging careful analysis and planning. When writing, ensure to define the uncertainties and avoiding overly generic usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a spectrum of unknowns

Replaces "uncertainties" with "unknowns" and uses "spectrum" to emphasize the breadth of the uncertainties.

a host of ambiguities

Substitutes "uncertainties" with "ambiguities" to highlight the lack of clarity or definiteness.

various imponderables

Uses "imponderables" instead of "uncertainties", suggesting factors that are difficult or impossible to estimate or assess.

multiple open questions

Replaces the abstract term with a very similar concept that emphasize the interrogative and pending resolution.

several unpredictable elements

Focuses on the unpredictable nature of the uncertainties, suggesting a lack of control or foresight.

a series of contingencies

Emphasizes the conditional nature of the uncertainties, suggesting that outcomes depend on specific events or circumstances.

an array of indefinite factors

Highlights the undefined or unclear nature of the factors contributing to the uncertainties.

a cluster of vague possibilities

Focuses on the vagueness and potential nature of the uncertainties, suggesting a lack of concrete information.

a collection of unresolved issues

Uses a term related to "uncertainties" but suggesting that these unresolved issues can be solved, addressed and improved.

a multitude of risks

Shifts the focus to the potential negative consequences associated with the uncertainties.

FAQs

How can I use "a range of uncertainties" in a sentence?

You can use "a range of uncertainties" to describe situations where multiple uncertain factors affect an outcome. For example: "The project's success depends on managing "a range of uncertainties", including market volatility and regulatory changes."

What are some alternatives to "a range of uncertainties"?

Alternatives include "a spectrum of unknowns", "a host of ambiguities", or "various imponderables", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to list uncertainties individually rather than using "a range of uncertainties"?

Listing uncertainties individually provides more clarity and detail, but using "a range of uncertainties" can be appropriate when you want to acknowledge the presence of multiple uncertain factors without going into exhaustive detail or when the specific uncertainties are not yet fully known.

What does it mean to 'model across' "a range of uncertainties"?

Modeling across "a range of uncertainties" means testing the sensitivity of a model's outputs to variations in its inputs. This helps to understand the potential impact of uncertain factors on the model's predictions.