are uncertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are uncertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or lack of clarity about a situation or information. Example: "The results of the experiment are uncertain, and further testing is required to draw any conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Postwar recollections are uncertain.

The New Yorker

All futures are uncertain.

The Economist

Researchers themselves are uncertain.

The New York Times

These are uncertain times.

The Guardian - Sport

Now, they are uncertain.

The New York Times - Arts

Prospects are uncertain.

The New York Times - Science

Both are uncertain.

MIT Technology Review

Succession plans are uncertain.

The New York Times

Four more are uncertain.

The New York Times

Even those calculations are uncertain.

The New York Times - Sports

Prospects for China are uncertain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are uncertain", ensure the context clearly identifies what is uncertain and why. Providing potential scenarios or factors contributing to the uncertainty can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are uncertain" when a situation is merely complex or multifaceted, rather than genuinely unpredictable. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and suggest a lack of understanding, when a more nuanced explanation is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are uncertain" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as being doubtful, unknown, or unpredictable. Ludwig AI shows examples where it modifies various subjects, ranging from "recollections" to "prospects", indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are uncertain" is a versatile and commonly used predicate adjective phrase expressing doubt, ambiguity, or lack of definitive knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for a broad range of contexts, from news reporting to academic discourse. While the phrase appears most frequently in news and media, its presence across various authoritative sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance. When employing "are uncertain", ensure the context clearly specifies what is uncertain and why, avoiding overuse in situations that merely require a nuanced explanation rather than a declaration of unpredictability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are yet to be determined

Stresses that something is still in the process of being decided.

lack certainty

Directly states the absence of sureness or definiteness.

are not definite

Emphasizes the lack of clear definition or resolution.

are not guaranteed

Focuses on the absence of assurance or certainty regarding outcomes.

remain doubtful

Highlights ongoing skepticism or lack of conviction.

are open to question

Suggests that something is not definitively settled and can be challenged.

are unpredictable

Emphasizes the inability to foresee or anticipate outcomes.

are up in the air

Indicates a state of unresolved outcomes or decisions.

are hanging in the balance

Implies a critical state where the outcome is undecided and precarious.

are subject to change

Highlights the possibility of alterations or modifications.

FAQs

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

You can use "are uncertain" to express doubt or a lack of clarity about something. For example, "The long-term effects of the policy "are uncertain"."

What phrases are similar to "are uncertain"?

Alternatives to "are uncertain" include "are not definite", "are yet to be determined", or "remain doubtful", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are uncertain" or "is uncertain"?

"Are uncertain" is used with plural subjects, while "is uncertain" is used with singular subjects. For example, "The results are uncertain" versus "The result is uncertain."

What's the difference between "are uncertain" and "are unknown"?

"Are uncertain" implies a degree of doubt or unpredictability, while "are unknown" simply indicates that the information is not currently available. For example, "The precise figures "are unknown"" suggests we lack the data, whereas "The projections "are uncertain"" suggests we can't reliably predict them.