feel uncertain

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel uncertain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone's state of mind or attitude. For example: "I feel uncertain about what the future holds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I feel uncertain about all this.

The New York Times

Westerners are beginning to feel uncertain too.

The Economist

I feel uncertain about my financial future.

The Guardian - Money

This could make Assange feel uncertain about his future protection.

The Guardian

The Mets have plenty of reason to feel uncertain about the upcoming season.

The New York Times - Sports

But it wasn't their age difference, nor the fact that he was married, that made him feel uncertain of himself.

The New Yorker

They might feel uncertain, or embarrassed, and would rather endure a bottle they are not enjoying than send it back.

The New York Times - Food

Steve Easterbrook, chief executive of McDonald's, said that consumers were spending less because they feel uncertain about their financial stability and the upcoming presidential election.

The Guardian - Business

The number of Westminster resignations had left participants unimpressed, with deep levels of distrust in politicians, and some had started to feel uncertain about the economy.

The Guardian

However, he admits, in the past few months, customers have started to feel "uncertain" about the safety of Toyota cars "and I take full responsibility for that".

The Guardian - Business

"Lack of contact and information about their case can make them feel uncertain and isolated, and worsen the distress caused by the crime itself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel uncertain" to express a subjective state of mind rather than an objective fact. If you are stating a fact, use "it is uncertain".

Common error

Avoid using "feel uncertain" to describe situations where objective uncertainty is present. Instead of saying "I feel uncertain if it will rain", say "It is uncertain if it will rain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel uncertain" functions as a verb phrase, where "feel" is a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "uncertain". It expresses a subjective state of doubt or lack of confidence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

39%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel uncertain" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to articulate a subjective state of doubt or insecurity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. As demonstrated through numerous examples, it appears across varied contexts, including news, scientific research, and general advice articles. While universally understood, it's crucial to define the specific focus of uncertainty and ensure it reflects a personal sentiment rather than an objective reality. Consider alternatives like "feel unsure" or "feel doubtful" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel unsure

A more direct synonym, indicating a lack of certainty.

feel insecure

Focuses more on a general lack of confidence or security.

feel doubtful

Emphasizes a lack of conviction or belief.

feel apprehensive

Highlights anxiety or worry about the future.

feel hesitant

Suggests a reluctance to act due to uncertainty.

lack confidence

Shifts the focus to the absence of self-assurance.

feel skeptical

Indicates doubt or disbelief about something.

have misgivings

Expresses feelings of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.

feel precarious

Suggests a feeling of instability or insecurity.

feel edgy

Implies nervousness or unease due to uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel uncertain" to express doubt or a lack of confidence. For example, "I feel uncertain about accepting the new job offer" or "They feel uncertain about the economy's future".

What's the difference between "feel uncertain" and "feel insecure"?

"Feel uncertain" generally refers to a specific situation or decision, while "feel insecure" /s/feel+insecure often describes a more general lack of confidence or self-esteem.

What are some alternatives to saying "feel uncertain"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "feel unsure", "feel doubtful", or "feel apprehensive".

Is it correct to say "feel uncertain about" something?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. The preposition "about" is commonly used after "feel uncertain" to specify what is causing the feeling of uncertainty. For instance, "I feel uncertain about the future".