big uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where there is a significant lack of certainty or predictability. Example: "The project's success is clouded by big uncertainty regarding funding and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"His judgments gave him a big uncertainty.

Independent

"You have a big uncertainty shock.

The New York Times

ONE big uncertainty hanging over Questcor is competition.

The New York Times

"Oil prices are the big uncertainty," he said.

The New York Times

It's a big uncertainty hanging over the system right now".

The New York Times

"But there is big uncertainty about the figure.

The Guardian

There is, to be sure, "a big uncertainty range on that prediction," Pierrehumbert said by email.

Independent

Either way, the big uncertainty is whether job growth slows substantially in coming months.

The New York Times

That seems to be a big uncertainty, even from its members.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yet there are still two big uncertainties.

The Economist

Whether homeowners will scheme to get into the program is one of the big uncertainties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "big uncertainty" to introduce a problem or challenge that needs to be addressed or explored further in your writing. This can set the stage for subsequent analysis or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "big uncertainty" as a vague placeholder. Always specify the source or nature of the uncertainty to give your statement more weight and clarity. Instead of saying 'There is a big uncertainty', try 'There is a big uncertainty regarding the project's long-term funding'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big uncertainty" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a condition characterized by a lack of predictability or definite knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability and frequency of this construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "big uncertainty" is a commonly used phrase to denote a significant lack of predictability or clarity. Ludwig AI validates that its use is grammatically correct, and it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to specify the nature of the uncertainty to maintain clarity. Alternative phrases like "major ambiguity" or "significant doubt" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the intended emphasis. Overall, "big uncertainty" serves as a useful expression to highlight potential risks or challenges that warrant further attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notable ambiguity

Substitutes "big" with "notable", keeping the meaning of something which deserves attention.

major ambiguity

Replaces "uncertainty" with "ambiguity", emphasizing the lack of clarity.

significant doubt

Substitutes "uncertainty" with "doubt", highlighting the element of disbelief or question.

huge unknown

Replaces "uncertainty" with "unknown", stressing the lack of knowledge.

considerable unpredictability

Replaces "uncertainty" with "unpredictability", focusing on the inability to foresee outcomes.

substantial vagueness

Uses "vagueness" instead of "uncertainty", stressing the lack of precision or detail.

profound insecurity

Substitutes "uncertainty" with "insecurity", emphasizing the anxiety that accompanies the lack of predictability.

marked instability

Employs "instability" to convey the lack of a stable or fixed state, similar to uncertainty.

serious question mark

Offers an idiomatic alternative, highlighting a significant point of doubt or uncertainty.

extensive imprecision

Replaces "uncertainty" with "imprecision", underlining the lack of exactness or accuracy.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "big uncertainty" in a sentence?

To effectively use "big uncertainty", ensure you clearly define what the uncertainty pertains to. For example, instead of saying "There is a big uncertainty", specify the subject: "There is a "big uncertainty" in the financial market regarding interest rates".

What are some alternatives to using "big uncertainty" in my writing?

Depending on the specific context, you can replace "big uncertainty" with alternatives like "major ambiguity", "significant doubt", or "considerable unpredictability". These options provide nuances that might be more appropriate for your intended meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "big uncertainty" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "big uncertainty" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, always ensure that the phrase fits the tone and level of formality required by your audience and context. Also, see "marked instability".

What's the difference between "big uncertainty" and "huge unknown"?

While both phrases suggest a lack of predictability, "big uncertainty" implies a situation where outcomes are unclear, whereas "huge unknown" emphasizes a complete lack of knowledge or information about something.