express their uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "express their uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how individuals convey their doubts or lack of confidence about a situation or topic. Example: "During the meeting, several team members began to express their uncertainty about the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It allows experts to express their uncertainty concerning the basic parameters of systems and to evaluate the impact of this uncertainty on the SIS performance.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Out of ten only 8 statements reflected various known views (the other two options 'I do not know' and 'any other' provided students an opportunity to express their uncertainty and report their own view if it was not found in the given eight statements).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But a culture in which youngsters could express their uncertainties openly and discuss them with scholars would be good, he argues.

The Economist

The majority mentioned that pregnant women's personal values were important for decision making, but less than half helped the women express their uncertainties about the available options by providing a values clarification instrument, or provided a tool for assessing their understanding.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Some supporters, including MP Tony Banks, have already expressed their uncertainty about the deal - brokered only in the past week - that will see Mr Abramovich, an oil tycoon, take a controlling 50.9% stake in Chelsea Village PLC, the company that owns the football club.

The Guardian - Sport

Eight respondents expressed their uncertainty regarding the production of a brochure.

Language Testing in Asia

Others expressed their uncertainty of the purpose of the forum, and felt that it would benefit from more input from medical professionals.

BMC Psychiatry

At the same time, providers expressed their uncertainties about whether this working style could be sustained if their working conditions were to worsen.

BMC Health Services Research

Further study might consider other types of question (e.g., multiple-choice questions or Likert scales) for the several possible answers, which would allow respondents to express their true uncertainty concerning their perceptions [ 71, 72].

BMC Medical Education

Reviews of recruitment in RCTs have established that one of the most common concerns participants express is their uncertainty with the study medications and not being randomized to their preferred treatment [ 58, 59].

BMC Health Services Research

Survey data collected from two moderately sized samples of users and carers have previously suggested that many lack confidence during care-planning consultations, and that some may express uncertainty regarding their own ability to contribute meaningfully to their care.

British Journal of Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "express their uncertainty", ensure the context clearly indicates what the uncertainty pertains to. Providing specific details about the source or nature of the uncertainty enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the pronoun 'their' has a clear and immediate referent. If the audience might not immediately understand who is expressing uncertainty, rephrase to explicitly name the individuals or groups.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express their uncertainty" functions as a verbal phrase, where 'express' is the verb and 'their uncertainty' is the object. It describes the act of conveying a state of doubt or lack of conviction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "express their uncertainty" is a grammatically sound and commonly employed expression used to describe the communication of doubt or lack of confidence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is versatile and suitable for various writing contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news media sources, it maintains a neutral register, fitting both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like ""voice their doubts"" or ""convey their skepticism"" exist, selecting the most appropriate option depends on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject of the uncertainty and avoiding vague pronoun references. Understanding these nuances can greatly improve the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voice their doubts

This alternative focuses on the act of voicing concerns, highlighting a more active expression of uncertainty.

convey their skepticism

This option emphasizes a feeling of doubt or disbelief, suggesting a stronger level of uncertainty.

show their apprehension

This alternative underscores the feeling of anxiety or fear associated with the uncertainty.

articulate their reservations

This phrase suggests a more formal and thoughtful expression of their hesitations.

air their misgivings

This implies bringing private doubts into a public discussion.

reveal their lack of confidence

This alternative directly states the absence of self-assurance or certainty.

disclose their hesitancy

This highlights the reluctance or unwillingness stemming from uncertainty.

demonstrate their unsureness

This focuses on the outward display of not being certain.

communicate their ambiguous feelings

This suggests the presence of mixed, unclear emotions related to the uncertainty.

register their uncertainty

This is more formal and suggests recording or noting their uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "express their uncertainty" in a sentence?

You can use "express their uncertainty" to describe how individuals or groups communicate their doubts or lack of confidence about something. For instance, "The team members "express their uncertainty" regarding the project's feasibility given the limited resources."

What are some alternatives to "express their uncertainty"?

Alternatives include phrases like "voice their doubts", "convey their skepticism", or "show their apprehension", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "express their uncertainty" or "voice their doubts"?

"Express their uncertainty" is generally considered more neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts. "Voice their doubts" carries a slightly stronger connotation of actively bringing concerns to attention.

Can "express their uncertainty" be used in academic writing?

Yes, ""express their uncertainty"" is appropriate for academic writing. It's a clear and direct way to describe the communication of doubt or lack of confidence, which is often relevant in discussions of research findings, limitations, or future directions.