degree of uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "degree of uncertainty" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the amount or level of uncertainty or doubt present in a statement or situation. Here are a few examples of how it can be used: 1. The researchers' findings were met with a high degree of uncertainty, as their data was inconclusive. 2. She approached the job interview with a sense of dread and a degree of uncertainty, unsure if she was qualified for the position. 3. The stock market is currently experiencing a high degree of uncertainty, causing many investors to hesitate before making any major trades. 4. The degree of uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the election is causing tension and anxiety among the population. 5. The weather forecast included a small degree of uncertainty, as there was a chance of rain but also a possibility of clear skies.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be honest about the degree of uncertainty.

The Guardian

"We also have created a degree of uncertainty.

The New York Times

Rumor is improvised news possessing a degree of uncertainty.

The New York Times

The system can also deal with a degree of uncertainty.

The New York Times

First, he says, is the unusually high degree of uncertainty.

The New York Times

Practical mechanical systems often operate with some degree of uncertainty.

Applied Acoustics

These assumptions introduce a high degree of uncertainty.

The Annals of Occupational Hygiene

Practical mechanical systems operate with some degree of uncertainty.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

The laboratory added, however, there was a "fair degree of uncertainty" in its figures.

The Guardian

Those Xs are probably the giveaway that there was a degree of uncertainty about the death.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A quantum-mechanical degree of uncertainty between public and private and open and closed seems likely.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "degree of uncertainty", clearly define what contributes to the uncertainty and its potential impact on the situation. Providing context enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "there is a degree of uncertainty" without specifying its extent or range. Use qualifiers such as "high", "low", or "considerable" to provide a more precise assessment of the uncertainty involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "degree of uncertainty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It quantifies the extent to which something is unknown or unpredictable. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "degree of uncertainty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that quantifies the level of doubt or unpredictability in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is accurate and suitable for use. Its usage is prevalent in scientific, news, and formal business settings, emphasizing its role in qualifying statements and acknowledging potential variability. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide context and quantify the extent of uncertainty for clarity. Related phrases such as "level of uncertainty" and "extent of uncertainty" offer similar meanings, while "risk" implies potential negative outcomes rather than just a lack of knowledge. Remember to avoid vagueness by quantifying the degree with terms such as "high", "low", or "considerable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Level of uncertainty

Replaces "degree" with "level", indicating a measurement of uncertainty.

Extent of uncertainty

Substitutes "degree" with "extent", focusing on the scope of uncertainty.

Amount of uncertainty

Uses "amount" instead of "degree" to quantify the uncertainty.

Magnitude of uncertainty

Replaces "degree" with "magnitude", emphasizing the size of the uncertainty.

Quantum of uncertainty

Replaces "degree" with "quantum", portraying the uncertainty as a discrete quantity.

Measure of uncertainty

Substitutes "degree" with "measure", suggesting a quantifiable assessment.

Index of uncertainty

Uses "index" instead of "degree", implying a structured scale or indicator.

Scope of uncertainty

Replaces "degree" with "scope", highlighting the range or area affected by uncertainty.

Margin of uncertainty

Substitutes "degree" with "margin", implying a boundary within which uncertainty exists.

Spectrum of uncertainty

Uses "spectrum" instead of "degree", suggesting a range of varying uncertainty levels.

FAQs

How can I use "degree of uncertainty" in a sentence?

You can use "degree of uncertainty" to describe the level of doubt or unpredictability in a situation. For example, "There is a high "degree of uncertainty" surrounding the project's completion date."

What phrases are similar to "degree of uncertainty"?

Alternatives to "degree of uncertainty" include "level of uncertainty", "amount of uncertainty", or "extent of uncertainty". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "degree of uncertainty" differ from "risk"?

"Degree of uncertainty" refers to the lack of complete knowledge about future events, while "risk" implies the possibility of a negative outcome. While related, uncertainty doesn't always equate to risk; it simply means outcomes are not fully predictable.

Is it better to use "high degree of uncertainty" or "large degree of uncertainty"?

Both "high degree of uncertainty" and "large degree of uncertainty" are acceptable. "High" emphasizes the intensity or severity of the uncertainty, while "large" emphasizes its magnitude or scope. Choose the word that best fits the context.