an uncertain one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an uncertain one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, outcome, or decision that lacks clarity or confidence. Example: "The future of the project remains an uncertain one, as we await further funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

HBR: What made the difference between a confident review and an uncertain one?

Harvard Business Review

Today, the novel isn't an ossified institution; it's an uncertain one.

The New Yorker

To end it meant abandoning a known future and heading into an uncertain one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His story was an uncertain one, perhaps crafted to suit the encounter with the inspector, Tony McGovern of the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The New York Times

It's a huge endeavor and, to judge from the mixed reviews that greeted its New York debut last October, an uncertain one.

The New York Times - Arts

So why not, at an unmoored moment in his work and an uncertain one for the entertainment industry, take his first ongoing television role since the 1970s and play a ragged septuagenarian with a full spleen and an enlarged prostate?

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Thus we can see that the line that separates legal and illegal enhancements is a shifting, uncertain one.

The Guardian

In practice, most people choose the first, preferring a small but certain payment to a larger but uncertain one.Yet the willingness to run risks varies enormously among individuals and over time.

The Economist

It was his final night in that hotel room: the final night before his old life gave way to a new and uncertain one.

The Guardian

Given his willingness to exchange a very comfortable existence for a notoriously challenging and uncertain one, we ask Ortega if it's fair to call him a risk-taker.

University of Pennsylvania

This usually results in a dynamic where the uncertain one is calling all the shots and dictating the course of the relationship.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an uncertain one", ensure that the context clearly identifies what specifically is uncertain. Providing more detail will help your audience understand the scope and implications of the uncertainty.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "an uncertain one" can sometimes sound informal in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone. For example, consider using "a contingent outcome" or "a precarious situation" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an uncertain one" functions as a nominal phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object complement within a sentence. It renames or describes a noun, indicating a state or condition characterized by a lack of certainty. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase describes situations, decisions or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an uncertain one" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something lacking predictability or clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. While it is most prevalent in News & Media and Science, you can also find it in formal business. When using the phrase, ensure that the subject of uncertainty is clear to the reader. Alternatives such as "a risky venture" or "a hazy future" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unpredictable scenario

Highlights the impossibility to know what is going to happen.

a ambiguous situation

Highlights the lack of clarity.

a hazy future

Uses a metaphor to convey a lack of clarity about what will happen, shifting from factual to figurative.

a precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and potential danger of the situation, differing from a general lack of certainty.

a gamble

Conveys that the outcome is subject to chance.

a tentative plan

Stresses the provisional nature of the arrangement, suggesting it may change.

a questionable prospect

Emphasizes doubt about the likelihood of a positive outcome, rather than just a lack of certainty.

a dubious undertaking

Implies skepticism about the value or honesty of the endeavor, adding a negative connotation.

a long shot

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of success.

a risky venture

Highlights the potential for negative consequences, adding an element of danger.

FAQs

How can I use "an uncertain one" in a sentence?

You can use "an uncertain one" to describe something lacking predictability. For example: "The company's future remains "an uncertain one" due to the changing market conditions".

What are some alternatives to "an uncertain one"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a risky venture", "a hazy future", or "an ambiguous situation".

Is it better to choose a certain option or "an uncertain one"?

It depends on your risk tolerance and the potential rewards. Some people prefer the security of a certain outcome, while others are willing to gamble on "an uncertain one" for a potentially greater payoff.

What makes a situation "an uncertain one"?

A situation is "an uncertain one" when the outcome is not predictable, the influencing factors are not well-understood, or the available information is incomplete.