far from certain

USAGE SUMMARY

"far from certain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express doubt or hesitancy about something. For example: "His future plans are far from certain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(See "BA Bid For Iberia Far From Certain").

Forbes

That eventuality is far from certain, though.

The New York Times

It is still far from certain.

The Economist

But a conviction was far from certain.

The New York Times

And securing TPA is far from certain.

The Economist

But that vision is far from certain.

The New York Times

But dominance is far from certain.

The Economist

But that is far from certain.

The Economist

Approval by players is far from certain.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, that protection is far from certain.

The New York Times

But Republican support is far from certain.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "far from certain" with specific reasons or conditions to strengthen your argument and provide context for your skepticism.

Common error

Avoid using "far from certain" when the outcome is already known or highly predictable. Choose a more accurate phrase to reflect the level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far from certain" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase to express a state of uncertainty or doubt. It indicates that a particular outcome or situation is not assured or guaranteed. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in expressing doubt.

Expression frequency: Very 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, the phrase "far from certain" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey doubt or uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun to indicate a state of being unassured. It appears most frequently in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. When using "far from certain", it is crucial to avoid overstating uncertainty and to provide context for your skepticism. Alternatives like "unlikely", "doubtful", and "questionable" can be used to express similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. Mastering the use of "far from certain" can greatly enhance your ability to communicate nuanced perspectives on uncertain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubtful

A simpler, more direct synonym expressing uncertainty.

not assured

Focuses on the lack of guarantee or assurance, highlighting the uncertain nature of the situation.

unlikely to happen

Directly states the low chance of occurrence, providing a straightforward alternative.

highly improbable

Emphasizes the low probability of something happening, making it a stronger statement of doubt than the original phrase.

questionable at best

Suggests that even the most optimistic view is doubtful, adding a negative connotation.

dubious

Suggests skepticism and suspicion about the likelihood of something happening.

remains to be seen

Indicates that the outcome is still unknown and requires waiting to be determined.

up in the air

An idiomatic expression suggesting that the situation is unresolved and subject to change.

not set in stone

Emphasizes the flexibility and potential for change in the situation.

tenuous

Implies that the situation is fragile and easily disrupted, adding a sense of vulnerability.

FAQs

How can I use "far from certain" in a sentence?

You can use "far from certain" to express doubt about a future event or outcome. For example, "The company's success is "far from certain" given the current economic climate."

What are some alternatives to saying "far from certain"?

Alternatives include "unlikely", "doubtful", "questionable", or "not assured", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "far from certain whether"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. You can use "far from certain whether" to express uncertainty about a particular condition or choice. For example, "It is "far from certain whether" the project will be completed on time."

What's the difference between "unlikely" and "far from certain"?

"Unlikely" suggests a low probability, while "far from certain" implies that the outcome is not guaranteed and may depend on various uncertain factors. "Far from certain" leaves more room for possibility than "unlikely".