fairly uncertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fairly uncertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that has a moderate level of doubt or ambiguity. Example: "The results of the experiment were fairly uncertain, leading the researchers to conduct further tests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Overall it was a fairly uncertain day as investors who had driven the market higher as the Remain camp seemed to be gaining ground, paused for breath.

The Guardian - Business

These are important things to consider.But the evidence on the precise level of debt at which growth impacts become severe is fairly uncertain, and there is good reason to suspect that America can sustain higher debt loads at little cost than most other economies.

The Economist

Chances for passage this year are fairly uncertain at this point.

Huffington Post

Data essential to these models are also sometimes incomplete, for example the distribution of iron input and the proportion that is bio-available is still fairly uncertain in many areas of the ocean [13].

Plosone

Thus, the degree to which BPA is accumulated and eliminated from these compartments is still fairly uncertain.

Dose-Response

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The level of patients' understanding was measured using a Likert scale (not at all; somewhat; uncertain; fairly well, and fully).

BMC Health Services Research

Whether historic preservation begets tourism in a fairly remote place is uncertain.

The New York Times

We may say of the disciples' experiences of the Resurrection approximately what the sources allow us to say of the life and message of Jesus: we have fairly good general knowledge, though many details are uncertain or dubious.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Compared to the initial parameter uncertainty of 30% of mean, we see that the nonlinear evolution has damped the uncertainty and the problem is fairly insensitive or moderately sensitive to the three uncertain parameters.

Journal of Mathematics in Industry

Nevertheless, the clinical relevance remains uncertain as the confidence interval was fairly wide and some methodological limitations have to be considered.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

We know the relevant effects exist in a lab, and are fairly certain they exist in nature, but we are uncertain how sensitive the actual climate is to these effects.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fairly uncertain" to acknowledge a degree of doubt without dismissing the possibility of a particular outcome entirely.

Common error

Avoid using "fairly uncertain" when the situation is definitively known or easily predictable. Using it in such contexts diminishes its impact and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fairly uncertain" functions as a qualifier modifying a noun or situation, indicating a moderate level of doubt or unpredictability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The adjective "uncertain" is intensified by the adverb "fairly", adding a nuanced layer of meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fairly uncertain" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses a moderate level of doubt or ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English. It's commonly found in news, scientific writing, and encyclopedias, suitable for neutral communication. While it indicates doubt, it avoids stating complete impossibility. When using "fairly uncertain", ensure you provide context about what aspects are uncertain to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat indefinite

Replaces "fairly" with "somewhat" and "uncertain" with "indefinite", slightly softening the degree of uncertainty.

moderately doubtful

Emphasizes doubt rather than uncertainty, using "moderately" instead of "fairly".

quite ambiguous

Focuses on ambiguity, suggesting a lack of clarity rather than a prediction of outcomes.

rather vague

Highlights the lack of precision or detail, implying a less defined understanding.

somewhat unpredictable

Shifts the focus to the inability to foresee future outcomes, highlighting unpredictability.

not entirely sure

Uses a more conversational tone to express a lack of complete confidence.

subject to some doubt

Formal phrasing emphasizing the presence of doubt concerning something.

open to question

Indicates that something is not settled or agreed upon, inviting scrutiny.

murky to some extent

Uses a metaphor to describe the situation as unclear or obscured.

partially unresolved

Focuses on the lack of resolution, suggesting that the matter is still pending.

FAQs

How can I use "fairly uncertain" in a sentence?

"Fairly uncertain" is used to describe situations or outcomes where there is a moderate degree of doubt or unpredictability. For example, "The economic forecast for the next quarter is "fairly uncertain" due to the ongoing trade negotiations".

What are some alternatives to "fairly uncertain"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat indefinite", "moderately doubtful", or "quite ambiguous" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fairly uncertain" the same as "very uncertain"?

No, "fairly uncertain" indicates a moderate level of uncertainty, whereas "very uncertain" suggests a high level of uncertainty. The choice depends on the degree of doubt you want to express.

Can "fairly uncertain" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "fairly uncertain" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider alternatives like "subject to some doubt" for an even more formal tone.