creating uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "creating uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where actions, events, or situations lead to doubt or lack of clarity. Example: "The sudden changes in policy are creating uncertainty among the employees about their job security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ministers are creating uncertainty and stress for people in flood-prone areas".

The Guardian

The sugar industry, by contrast, wasn't just interested in creating uncertainty.

The New Yorker

BA has accused the union of "creating uncertainty for our customers".

The Guardian

The details of that package are still being thrashed out, creating uncertainty in markets.

The New York Times

On an exchange, a single order could move the market price, creating uncertainty for traders.

The Economist

But your department rolled back that guidance, creating uncertainty and concern.

The Washington Post

Linda Rolph, general secretary of Angu, said the cuts were a "shame" and admitted they were creating uncertainty.

The Guardian - Business

Overall, aftermarket revenues continue to dominate given weakness in original equipment creating uncertainty in the short-term.

The Guardian - Business

A spokesperson for the airline said: "We are extremely disappointed that the union is creating uncertainty for our customers.

The Guardian - Business

He appeared to be doing something that a good poker player does, creating uncertainty to try to control the situation.

The New York Times

Even as the auctioneer's hammer went down, a chorus of scepticism was creating uncertainty around Salvator Mundi.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "creating uncertainty", consider the specific type of uncertainty being created. For instance, is it economic uncertainty, political uncertainty, or personal uncertainty? Being specific enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "creating uncertainty" with overly broad or undefined subjects. For example, instead of saying "The situation is creating uncertainty", specify what aspect of the situation is creating the uncertainty. A better phrasing might be "The ambiguous policy is creating uncertainty about future funding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "creating uncertainty" functions as a verbal phrase, where "creating" is a present participle acting as a verb, and "uncertainty" is the direct object. The phrase describes an action that brings about a state of doubt or unpredictability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "creating uncertainty" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verbal phrase that describes the action of causing a lack of predictability or clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its broad acceptability and presence across various registers, especially in news, business, and academic contexts. When using the phrase, consider specifying the type of uncertainty to enhance clarity. Alternative phrases like "generating ambiguity" or "fostering instability" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Be mindful of using it with vague subjects to maintain precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generating ambiguity

Focuses on the act of producing a lack of clarity or definiteness.

fostering instability

Emphasizes the promotion of a state of being erratic or prone to change.

inducing doubt

Highlights the action of causing someone to feel uncertain or distrustful.

sparking confusion

Focuses on initiating a state of bewilderment or lack of understanding.

raising questions

Emphasizes the act of introducing doubts or inquiries.

planting seeds of doubt

Focuses on subtly introducing uncertainty into a situation or person's mind.

breeding apprehension

Stresses the act of generating anxiety or fear about the future.

exacerbating insecurity

Highlights the worsening of feelings of inadequacy or lack of safety.

triggering unease

Focuses on setting off a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

instilling skepticism

Emphasizes the act of gradually causing someone to doubt or question something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "creating uncertainty" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you could use phrases like "generating ambiguity", "fostering instability", or "inducing doubt", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "creating uncertainty" and "causing confusion"?

"Creating uncertainty" implies a lack of clarity or predictability, while "causing confusion" suggests a lack of understanding. While related, uncertainty focuses on future outcomes, and confusion focuses on present comprehension. You may spark "raise questions", which in turn can "breed apprehension".

Is it correct to say "occurring uncertainty" instead of "creating uncertainty"?

While grammatically sound, "occurring uncertainty" is less common. "Creating uncertainty" emphasizes the active generation of doubt or instability, whereas "occurring uncertainty" simply describes its presence.

In what contexts is "creating uncertainty" most appropriately used?

The phrase "creating uncertainty" is suitable in contexts discussing economics, politics, personal relationships, or any situation where actions or events lead to a lack of predictability or clarity. For example: "The company's restructuring is "triggering unease" among employees".