cannot be uncertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be uncertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing that something must be definite or clear, leaving no room for doubt. Example: "In scientific research, the results cannot be uncertain; they must be replicable and verifiable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What is first in the order of conceptual cognition is most common and self-evident not by accident, for it indicates the formal aspect of intelligibility, which is included in all knowledge and about which the intellect cannot be uncertain.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is possible that some input variables are less uncertain than others, in which case, the most uncertain input variable should provide the lower bound (with reference to the premise that output cannot be less uncertain than input to the energy model).

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Although we cannot be genuinely uncertain about the outcome of a familiar narrative, we can willfully entertain uncertainty.

SEP

Hence, the results of a model including an assumption about the natural gas price cannot be less uncertain than 87%.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Premise: The output of an energy model cannot be less uncertain than the input to an energy model.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Note, that such a result demands acceptance of the premise that model results cannot be less uncertain than model input.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

If one accepts the premise that model output cannot be less uncertain than model input, this lower bound could be defined by the uncertainty of the input variables.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

If the premise is accepted that the energy model results cannot be less uncertain than the input to energy models, the proposed approach provides a lower bound of associated uncertainty.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The assessed uncertainty of input variables to energy models can subsequently be used to formulate a lower bound of the associated uncertainty of energy model results, under the introduced premise that the output of an energy model cannot be less uncertain than the input.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Departing from the above stated premise that an energy model output cannot be less uncertain than its input and the fact that epistemic uncertainty must be respected by a method, an uncertainty assessment in probabilistic terms of input variables will be presented.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Grace to be uncertain.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be uncertain" when emphasizing the absolute necessity of clarity or definiteness in a particular context. It adds a strong tone of conviction.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be uncertain" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound overly stiff or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "should be clear" or "needs to be certain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be uncertain" functions as a modal expression indicating a requirement for definiteness or clarity. As Ludwig confirms, it underscores that a specific element must be free from ambiguity or doubt.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be uncertain" is grammatically sound but used infrequently, predominantly in formal and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes the crucial need for clarity and definiteness, leaving no room for doubt. When writing, it's best to reserve "cannot be uncertain" for situations where a formal tone and absolute certainty are required; in more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "must be certain" are preferable. While grammatically correct, careful consideration of the context is key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be certain

Replaces the negative with a positive assertion of certainty.

must be definite

Emphasizes the need for clarity and precision.

should be known

Shifts the focus to the expectation of knowledge.

has to be clear

Highlights the necessity of being unambiguous.

ought to be determined

Suggests a duty or obligation to ascertain.

needs to be resolved

Focuses on removing ambiguity.

should be clarified

Emphasizes the process of making something clear.

cannot remain ambiguous

Highlights the unacceptability of ongoing uncertainty.

cannot stay unresolved

Emphasizes the need for a solution or clarification.

has to be ascertained

Focuses on the need to actively discover or confirm something.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be uncertain" to emphasize that something requires definitive clarity or resolution. For example, "The results of the experiment "cannot be uncertain"; they must be verifiable".

What phrases are similar to "cannot be uncertain"?

Alternatives include "must be certain", "should be clear", or "has to be definite", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "cannot be uncertain" grammatically correct?

Yes, "cannot be uncertain" is grammatically correct, but its use is relatively formal and infrequent.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be uncertain"?

It's best used in formal or technical writing where precision and a strong emphasis on certainty are required. Avoid using it in casual or informal contexts where it may sound overly forceful or stilted.