be uncertain that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be uncertain that" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not typically used in standard English, as it combines "be uncertain" with "that" in a way that lacks clarity. Example: "I may be uncertain that the project will succeed."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Joshua Greene, another religious academic, identifies the song as part of its parent album's "intimately detailed account of a spiritual journey": where "Awaiting on You All" shows Harrison "convinced of his union with God", "What Is Life" reveals him to be "uncertain that he deserved such divine favor".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If you're adding uncertainty to an environment that already is uncertain, that doesn't help".

The New York Times

We were uncertain that they wanted to be together.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was uncertain that the firm would survive.

The New Yorker

But even leaders among the striking writers are uncertain that the lines are so clear.

The New York Times

Other experts were uncertain that medical intervention was making labor longer.

The New York Times - Science

But he was uncertain that the mortgage he would need is lawful in Islam.

The New York Times

"It's uncertain that this type of car would actually have mass appeal," Mr. Moran said.

The New York Times

Even so, she was uncertain that they had much in common.

The New York Times

Secular-leaning politicians were upset about the clerics' involvement, and some were uncertain that was the right course.

The New York Times

A few months later, when the French Army reported capturing Cheibani, Ahmad was uncertain that it was really him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more direct and common alternatives like "doubt that" or "be unsure that" for clarity and better reception.

Common error

Avoid using "be uncertain that" in formal writing. This phrase can sound awkward and less polished than alternatives like "doubt that" or "be unsure that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be uncertain that" functions as a predicate adjective expressing a state of doubt or lack of conviction regarding a subsequent statement. The examples provided by Ludwig show its usage across various contexts, though Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be uncertain that" expresses a state of doubt or a lack of conviction. While it appears across various sources, Ludwig AI suggests it is not a standard or clear construction. Given this assessment and the availability of more direct alternatives like "doubt that" or "be unsure that", it's generally advisable to use those alternatives for improved clarity and adherence to standard English usage. Although the phrase is used in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, its infrequent occurrence and grammatical awkwardness suggest avoiding it in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubt that

More concise and grammatically standard replacement.

be unsure that

Replaces "uncertain" with "unsure", offering a slight variation in tone.

question whether

Shifts the focus to questioning the truth or validity.

have doubts about

Emphasizes the presence of doubts regarding something.

not be convinced that

Highlights a lack of complete belief or persuasion.

feel doubtful that

Emphasizes the feeling of doubt.

struggle to believe

Suggests an internal difficulty in accepting something as true.

be skeptical of

Expresses a general tendency to doubt or disbelieve.

lack confidence that

Highlights the absence of assured expectation.

find it hard to believe that

Emphasizes the difficulty in accepting something as true.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "be uncertain that"?

More common and clear alternatives include "doubt that", "be unsure that", or "question whether" depending on the context.

Is "be uncertain that" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "be uncertain that" is considered an awkward construction. It's better to use alternatives like "doubt that" or "be unsure that".

When should I avoid using "be uncertain that"?

It's best to avoid "be uncertain that" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more concise alternatives like "doubt that" especially in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "be uncertain that" and "doubt that"?

"Doubt that" is a more direct and commonly accepted way to express uncertainty or disbelief compared to the less common "be uncertain that".