fair amount of uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fair amount of uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations or conditions where there is a significant level of doubt or unpredictability involved. Example: "In making our investment decisions, we must acknowledge that there is a fair amount of uncertainty regarding market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

There is, to be honest, a fair amount of uncertainty on this question.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"There's still a fair amount of uncertainty surrounding some key issues," including whether Instinet will seek to combine with an exchange or participate in Nasdaq's SuperMontage.

The New York Times

"I would say there's still a fair amount of uncertainty with regard to whether these applications will be accepted," he added.

The New York Times

From my reporting, I gather that in private briefings the Bush Administration's intelligence analysts focus on a five-to-seven-year window, although they emphasize that there's a fair amount of uncertainty about this estimate.

The New Yorker

However, a Met Office spokesman said: "There remains a fair amount of uncertainty over the track and timing of this system, and so where and when the peaks of strongest winds will occur".

The Guardian

"There is a fair amount of uncertainty as to what the African-American community, middle-income or lower-income, actually gets out of it and what the benefits of it are".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

That's a fair amount of doubt.

The New York Times

Even averaging methods can conceal a fair amount of intrinsic uncertainty, however.

The New York Times

But more than a few consider all apocalyptic talk of XP's vulnerability as scaremongering by Microsoft and computer security firms.It is certainly true that hardware makers, as well as software firms, have encouraged a fair amount of FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt), hoping to scare XP users at least into replacing much of their software, if not their hardware as well.

The Economist

There's a fair amount of risk and uncertainty involved in that".

TechCrunch

There will always be a fair amount of stress and uncertainty for scientists looking for Ph.D.-level jobs, but I believe you'll see more job ads today than you did a year ago.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fair amount of uncertainty", ensure the context clearly defines what the uncertainty pertains to, enhancing clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "fair amount of uncertainty" when a situation is clearly defined or predictable. Ensure there is genuine ambiguity to justify the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fair amount of uncertainty" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun (typically a situation, outcome, or estimate) to indicate a moderate degree of unpredictability or doubt. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fair amount of uncertainty" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe situations with a moderate level of unpredictability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile enough for use in news, academic writing, and general conversation. While "fair amount of uncertainty" indicates less than a "high degree of uncertainty", it signals more than just a hint of doubt. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly specifies what is uncertain to provide clarity. Related phrases such as "considerable uncertainty" or "significant doubt" can be used to emphasize the degree of uncertainty, if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable uncertainty

Emphasizes the significant degree of uncertainty involved.

significant amount of doubt

Highlights the presence of substantial doubt.

notable ambiguity

Focuses on the lack of clarity and precision.

marked unpredictability

Stresses the inability to foresee outcomes.

substantial vagueness

Points to a lack of specific details or clarity.

considerable degree of speculation

Highlights that the situation is based on conjecture rather than facts.

perceptible risk

Focuses on the noticeable element of danger or uncertainty.

appreciable level of imprecision

Emphasizes a measurable lack of exactness or accuracy.

pronounced indefiniteness

Underlines the clear lack of defined limits or certainty.

palpable precariousness

Focuses on the obvious instability and insecurity of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "fair amount of uncertainty" in a sentence?

You can use "fair amount of uncertainty" to describe situations where outcomes are unpredictable or information is incomplete. For instance: "There's a fair amount of uncertainty surrounding the new policy's impact".

What phrases can I use instead of "fair amount of uncertainty"?

Alternatives include "considerable uncertainty", "significant doubt", or "notable ambiguity", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "fair amount of uncertainty"?

Yes, the phrase "fair amount of uncertainty" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "fair amount of uncertainty" and "high degree of uncertainty"?

"Fair amount of uncertainty" suggests a moderate level of unpredictability, while "high degree of uncertainty" implies a greater extent of unpredictability. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.