adding to the uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adding to the uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing factors or situations that increase doubt or confusion about a particular issue. Example: "The sudden changes in policy are adding to the uncertainty surrounding the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I.B.M. had no comment on the research report yesterday, adding to the uncertainty.

The New York Times

And the lack of transactions is only adding to the uncertainty, Ms. Tighe added.

The New York Times

And Deutsche Telekom's bid may be blocked by American regulators, adding to the uncertainty.

The New York Times

Israel has its own elections in February, adding to the uncertainty.

The New York Times

An epidemic of executive departures at Yahoo is adding to the uncertainty.

The New York Times - Tech

Anything less than absolute clarity risks adding to the uncertainty and pushing investors even further away.

The Economist

X-ray examination reveals very different images under some of the Black Paintings, adding to the uncertainty.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the British government declined to state its position, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Mr. Kohler's candidacy.

The New York Times

Ṣāliḥ returned to the country unexpectedly four months later, however, adding to the uncertainty and confusion about Yemen's political future.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Labor did not commit to funding the program beyond 2013-14 when it was in government, further adding to the uncertainty.

The Guardian

PAGE A18 Chief Justice Is Hospitalized Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist checked into the hospital, adding to the uncertainty about the Supreme Court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adding to the uncertainty", ensure it clearly connects to a previously mentioned situation or factor. For example, 'The lack of clear communication is adding to the uncertainty surrounding the project.'

Common error

Avoid using "adding to the uncertainty" without a specific subject or context. For example, instead of saying 'The situation is adding to the uncertainty', specify what aspect of the situation is contributing to the uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adding to the uncertainty" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a subject, object, or part of a longer verbal phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the action of increasing doubt or unpredictability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "adding to the uncertainty" functions as a gerund phrase that describes the act of increasing doubt or unpredictability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news and media contexts, and while suitable for various registers, it is most frequently used in neutral tones. This phrase is useful for highlighting factors that intensify doubt or confusion. Remember to provide clear context when using it to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "increasing the ambiguity" or "worsening the instability" can be used to fine-tune the nuance of your writing. The frequent use of this phrase in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing the ambiguity

This alternative focuses on the rise of unclear or indefinite elements.

worsening the instability

This phrase emphasizes the deteriorating nature of a situation's stability.

heightening the confusion

This suggests a greater level of bewilderment or lack of clarity.

fueling the unpredictability

This implies that something is actively making the situation less predictable.

exacerbating the doubt

This indicates a worsening of existing feelings of doubt or disbelief.

compounding the risk

This highlights that something is accumulating or intensifying existing risks.

aggravating the precariousness

This suggests that something is making an already unstable situation even more so.

deepening the murkiness

This indicates a growing lack of transparency or clarity.

inflaming the speculation

This suggests that something is making rumors or conjecture more intense.

intensifying the apprehension

This highlights an increase in feelings of anxiety or fear about what might happen.

FAQs

How can I use "adding to the uncertainty" in a sentence?

Use "adding to the uncertainty" to describe how a particular event or factor increases the level of doubt or unpredictability. For example, "The company's vague statement is adding to the uncertainty about its future plans."

What are some alternatives to "adding to the uncertainty"?

You can use alternatives like "increasing the ambiguity", "worsening the instability", or "heightening the confusion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "adds to the uncertainty" or "adding to the uncertainty"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "Adds to the uncertainty" is a verb phrase used when the subject is singular. "Adding to the uncertainty" is a gerund phrase, often used to describe an ongoing process or contributing factor.

What is the difference between "contributing to the uncertainty" and "adding to the uncertainty"?

While both phrases are similar, "contributing to the uncertainty" emphasizes the act of providing something that causes uncertainty, while "adding to the uncertainty" suggests an increase in a pre-existing state of uncertainty. They are often interchangeable, but the subtle difference can affect the nuance.