are still uncertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are still uncertain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or outcome that remains unclear or not fully resolved. Example: "The results of the experiment are still uncertain, and further testing is required to draw any conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Times are still uncertain".

The New York Times

Times are still uncertain, Rudd says.

The Guardian

So many things are still uncertain.

The Guardian

However, concrete contributions are still uncertain.

Nano Today

The consequences of NATO action in Libya are still uncertain.

The New York Times

The consequences of the crisis are still uncertain.

The New York Times

So its fate and timing are still uncertain.

The New York Times

However, the structure and composition of these nanoprecipitates are still uncertain.

Acta Materialia

But the plausible conditions of ionospheric medium through which they travel are still uncertain.

Advances in Space Research

Irrespective of the rightful joy felt by the Hearts fans, these are still uncertain days.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes, talking about it while things are still uncertain can endanger them".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are still uncertain", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specifically remains uncertain. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "plans are still uncertain", specify which plans.

Common error

Avoid using "are still uncertain" as a vague placeholder for a lack of information. Provide as much detail as possible about what is known, even if some aspects remain unclear. For example, clarify: "While the timeline for completion is still uncertain, the budget has been approved".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are still uncertain" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun or noun phrase, indicating that a particular aspect related to that noun remains unknown or unresolved. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are still uncertain" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe situations where clarity or resolution is lacking. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence across various domains, particularly in science and news media. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context specifies what remains uncertain, preventing ambiguity. The best alternatives for this are "remain undetermined", "are not yet clear", or "are still unknown". It is best to specify the subject or outcome that is still uncertain, to add more detail to the sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain undetermined

Replaces "uncertain" with a synonym, focusing on the lack of a final decision.

are yet to be determined

Emphasizes that the determination is pending and hasn't happened yet.

are not yet clear

Focuses on the lack of clarity surrounding the situation.

are still unknown

Highlights the absence of knowledge about the situation.

remain unresolved

Suggests that the issue or question hasn't been settled.

are subject to change

Implies that the situation might evolve and isn't fixed.

are in a state of flux

Highlights the dynamic and changing nature of the situation.

are open to question

Indicates that the situation is debatable or contestable.

have not been clarified

Emphasizes that clarification is needed and hasn't occurred.

defy prediction

Stresses the difficulty in forecasting or anticipating the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "are still uncertain" in a sentence?

You can use "are still uncertain" to describe situations where outcomes, plans, or details are not yet clear or finalized. For example, "The consequences of the crisis "are still uncertain"." or "The exact mechanisms of ultrasound-mediated drug/gene delivery with nanocarriers "are still uncertain"".

What are some alternatives to "are still uncertain"?

Alternatives include "remain undetermined", "are not yet clear", or "are still unknown". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is still uncertain"?

Whether you use "is" or "are" depends on the subject. Use "is still uncertain" with singular subjects (e.g., "The outcome is still uncertain"). Use "are still uncertain" with plural subjects (e.g., "The results are still uncertain").

What's the difference between "are still uncertain" and "remain uncertain"?

"Are still uncertain" emphasizes the continuing state of uncertainty. "Remain uncertain" also indicates ongoing uncertainty but can sometimes suggest a more persistent or unchanging state. The difference is subtle, and they are often interchangeable.