completely uncertain if

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely uncertain if" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or lack of clarity about a situation or outcome. Example: "I am completely uncertain if we will meet the deadline for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I went completely uncertain that I would return," he continues.

The Guardian - Music

And all that, while he is completely uncertain that he will even measure anything resembling a quake.

University of California, Berkeley

The last few hectic days have left her relieved and happy, she says, but completely uncertain as to her future.

The Guardian

This concerns tumors which are completely "uncertain" as whether they are malignant or benign in sonographic assessment.

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

The future's completely uncertain".

The Guardian

Going backward means a life on the barricades in which the future of both peoples is completely uncertain.

The New York Times

When two photons are entangled, the state of each photon is completely uncertain but the two states are correlated.

Science Magazine

Even weirder, two electrons can be entangled so the spin of each electron is completely uncertain, but the two spins are completely locked together and correlated.

Science Magazine

Amount of production of all products in every period is not clear and depends on demand which is completely uncertain.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Within this strip, the response is almost completely uncertain.

Plosone

The official said the authorities were uncertain if the plots were linked in one grand scheme or if they were completely separate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "completely uncertain if", ensure that the context clearly indicates the condition or outcome that is uncertain. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the specific area of doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "completely uncertain if" when a lesser degree of uncertainty is intended. Using stronger language than necessary can make your writing sound hyperbolic or less credible. Choose words that accurately reflect the level of doubt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely uncertain if" functions as a conditional expression of uncertainty. It introduces a scenario where the outcome or truth of a statement is entirely unknown. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses doubt about a situation or outcome.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "completely uncertain if" is used to express total doubt about a condition or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Due to the limited number of examples, its frequency is considered missing, and it can be found in various types of writing and speech. Remember to use this phrase when you want to clearly communicate that a situation is entirely unpredictable. Alternatives such as "totally unsure whether" or "entirely doubtful if" can provide subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

totally unsure whether

Changes "completely uncertain" to "totally unsure", offering a slight variation in the strength of uncertainty, while using "whether" instead of "if".

entirely doubtful if

Replaces "completely uncertain" with "entirely doubtful", suggesting a stronger sense of disbelief or skepticism.

not sure whether

Simplifies "completely uncertain" to "not sure", reducing the emphasis on the extent of uncertainty.

unsure if

Shortens "completely uncertain" to "unsure", offering a more concise expression of uncertainty.

doubtful whether

Substitutes "completely uncertain" with "doubtful", indicating a state of uncertainty coupled with a degree of disbelief.

questionable if

Replaces "completely uncertain" with "questionable", implying that the truth or validity of something is uncertain or open to doubt.

dubious if

Similar to questionable, "dubious" suggests uncertainty with a hint of suspicion or distrust.

unclear whether

Focuses on the lack of clarity rather than the feeling of uncertainty.

iffy if

Uses the informal term "iffy" to convey uncertainty or doubt about a condition.

up in the air if

Expresses uncertainty by indicating that the outcome or condition is still undecided or unresolved.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "completely uncertain if" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "entirely doubtful whether", "substantially uncertain whether", or "highly questionable if". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated and precise way to express uncertainty.

Is it better to use "if" or "whether" after "completely uncertain"?

While both "if" and "whether" can follow "completely uncertain", "whether" is generally preferred in formal writing when expressing a choice or alternative. Using "whether" often provides greater clarity and precision in these contexts.

What does "completely uncertain if" imply in a sentence?

Using "completely uncertain if" in a sentence indicates a state of total doubt or lack of knowledge regarding a specific condition or outcome. It conveys that there is no reliable basis for predicting or determining what will happen.

Are there situations where "completely uncertain if" might be too strong of a statement?

Yes, in contexts where there is only a moderate degree of doubt, using "completely uncertain if" can be an overstatement. In such cases, softer alternatives like "somewhat uncertain if" or "not entirely sure whether" might be more appropriate.