cannot be confident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be confident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or lack of assurance about a particular situation or outcome. Example: "Given the limited data available, I cannot be confident in the accuracy of the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You cannot be confident and faithful at the same time, she thought.

The New Yorker

While Woodfield's and its like hold out, Messrs Cooper and Taylor cannot be confident that their revolution will triumph.

The Economist

But the US cannot be confident that the Pakistan military would co-operate at such a time.

The Guardian

If they cannot be confident that they will get a stable return on their investment, they may hold back.

The New York Times

In Y-DNA testing for historical genealogy, we cannot be confident that we have identified a man's Y-DNA correctly if we test only one son.

The New York Times

But even so, on last week's evidence Labour cannot be confident of winning more than 40% of the vote in a general election.

The Economist

Until we value these jobs and the people who require this kind of care, we cannot be confident in a long-term solution.

The New York Times

As long as Europe sticks together, Mr. Putin cannot be confident of a favorable outcome should he seek to provoke a gas crisis.

The Washington Post

Perhaps for the first time in our history, we cannot be confident that the next generation of Australians will be better off than we are".

The Guardian

Without the answers, which we do not yet have, Congress and the administration cannot be confident that they are coming up with the right reforms.

The New York Times

"Until there is a clear pathway for trusts to get back to financial stability, we cannot be confident that value for money will be achieved," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing uncertainty, clearly state the reason why you "cannot be confident". This adds transparency and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be confident" when a stronger statement of disbelief or rejection is more appropriate. Overusing it can weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be confident" functions as a modal expression indicating a lack of assurance or certainty. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in expressing doubt or reservations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be confident" is a versatile expression used to convey a lack of certainty or assurance, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various domains, particularly in news, science, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "cannot be sure" or "lack confidence" exist, choosing the most appropriate depends on the specific nuance you intend to communicate. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context for the uncertainty to strengthen your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be certain

Emphasizes a lack of absolute certainty.

cannot be sure

Highlights a lack of sureness or conviction.

cannot guarantee

Focuses on the inability to provide assurance about a specific outcome.

lack confidence

Directly states a deficiency in confidence.

cannot ascertain

Indicates an inability to determine something definitively.

cannot verify

Highlights the lack of ability to confirm the truth or accuracy of something.

have doubts

Expresses uncertainty or skepticism.

are not convinced

Indicates a lack of persuasion or belief.

find it hard to believe

Expresses difficulty in accepting something as true.

remain skeptical

Maintains a questioning attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be confident" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be confident" to express uncertainty about a future outcome, the accuracy of information, or the success of a plan. For example, "We "cannot be confident" that the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be confident"?

Alternatives include "cannot be sure", "cannot be certain", or "lack confidence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I am not confident" or "I cannot be confident"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "I am not confident" is a more direct statement of your personal feeling, while "I "cannot be confident"" often implies that there are external reasons for your lack of confidence.

What does it mean when someone says they "cannot be confident" about something?

It means they have doubts or reservations about the reliability, accuracy, or likely outcome of that thing. They feel there are too many unknowns or potential problems to feel assured.