absence of certainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absence of certainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a lack of assurance or confidence about something. Example: "In scientific research, the absence of certainty can lead to further investigation and exploration of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

A. Absence of certainty does not mean absence of risk.

The New York Times

In the absence of certainty, I'm happy to accept the Malin's claim.

The Washington Post

The argument is the reality, and the absence of certainty the certainty.

The New Yorker

"But we ask for certainty in the investigation, because the absence of certainty affects the entire process and the conclusion".

The New York Times

"In the absence of certainty," argues David Bloom, "the responsible position is to act conservatively". Hardly anyone is laughing at Malthus anymore.

The New York Times - Science

In the absence of certainty about what exactly animal emotions are, we should behave towards animals as if they do share emotions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The absence of certainties is also explored in Kode9 & The Spaceape's sonic sledgehammer, Am I; assigned roles in life so vast and diverse as to fill a universe and an individual's bewilderment in the face of it all.

The Guardian - Music

Or can it act even in the absence of scientific certainty?

The New York Times

Belgium's ambassador here, Jean de Ruyt, said in an interview last week that in the absence of scientific certainty, the General Assembly "should leave the door open" to further investigation.

The New York Times

"The absence of policy certainty for industry and conservation must be resolved before any more effort is directed to working out how to better regulate an industry that is already on a pathway to inevitable change," he said.

The Guardian

"There is still 14 months to go, we are not at D-day yet, but in the absence of any certainty there will come a time mid-year when manufacturers will have to decide [on alternative plans]," said Kerr.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absence of certainty", consider the context and whether a more concise term like "uncertainty" would be more effective.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "absence of certainty" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrasing like "not sure" or "unsure" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absence of certainty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absence of certainty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in formal writing, scientific discussions, and news reports. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While "uncertainty" offers a more concise alternative, "absence of certainty" provides a specific nuance suitable for contexts requiring a deliberate and somewhat formal tone. It's important to note that while this phrase is suitable for many contexts, there are alternative phrases like "lack of assurance" that would be more suitable in informal speech. This phrase conveys a lack of definite knowledge, assurance, or predictability, often highlighting the need for caution and further investigation. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian commonly employ the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of certainty

Replaces "absence" with "lack", a direct synonym, slightly simplifying the phrase.

uncertainty

Uses a single word to convey the same meaning, making it more concise.

lack of assurance

Substitutes "certainty" with "assurance", focusing on the missing confidence.

want of conviction

Emphasizes the absence of a firm belief or opinion.

dearth of definiteness

Replaces both "absence" and "certainty" with more formal synonyms.

scarcity of certitude

Uses less common words to express a similar meaning, creating a more literary tone.

unpredictability

Shifts the focus to the inability to foresee outcomes with confidence.

inconclusiveness

Highlights the lack of a firm conclusion or resolution.

ambiguity

Focuses on the presence of multiple possible meanings or interpretations.

fallibility

Emphasizes the potential for error or being wrong.

FAQs

How can I use "absence of certainty" in a sentence?

You can use "absence of certainty" to describe situations where there is a lack of assurance or confidence. For example, "In the "absence of certainty", we must proceed with caution."

What's a simpler way to say "absence of certainty"?

Alternatives include "uncertainty", "lack of assurance", or "not being sure", depending on the context.

Is "absence of certainty" the same as "lack of certainty"?

Yes, "absence of certainty" and "lack of certainty" are largely interchangeable. "Absence" and "lack" are synonyms in this context.

In what kind of writing is the phrase "absence of certainty" most appropriate?

The phrase "absence of certainty" is appropriate for formal writing, academic papers, and situations where a precise and somewhat elevated tone is desired. However, in informal contexts it might sound unnatural.