flicker of uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flicker of uncertainty" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a brief moment or small amount of doubt or hesitation. You can use it to describe a person's emotions or thoughts, as well as in a more abstract sense, such as describing a situation or atmosphere. Example: As she spoke, a flicker of uncertainty crossed her face before she regained her confidence and continued with her presentation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

With a flicker of uncertainty, he speculates that he will be too old when his turn might come round.

The Economist

With flashes of Sharon Van Etten and Big Star, her lyrics home in on the tiny details – the way he smelt ("the stale smell of cigarettes"), or the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

The Guardian - Music

Yet, behind their eyes, Templeton's subjects display a flicker of uncertainty, as if this moment frozen in time is the only thing between them and an ambiguous future.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Yet candlelight brings flickers of uncertainty.

The Guardian

If anyone ever did manage to lift that famous helmet and peer through the windows to his soul, they'd be highly unlikely to discover even the merest flicker of doubt or uncertainty.

The Guardian - Film

It was the briefest flicker of doubt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Life is full of uncertainty".

The New York Times

It smacks of uncertainty.

The Guardian - Sport

Kurdistan: A State of Uncertainty.

BBC

Days of uncertainty lie ahead.

BBC

A note of uncertainty.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flicker of uncertainty" to subtly convey a character's internal state or a situation's instability without being overly dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "flicker of uncertainty" too frequently in dialogue tags. Show the uncertainty through the character's actions and words instead of constantly stating it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flicker of uncertainty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It encapsulates a fleeting or minor instance of doubt or insecurity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by examples showing its application in describing subtle emotional states.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Music

8%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flicker of uncertainty" is a grammatically sound and subtly expressive way to depict a brief moment of doubt or hesitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correctly used in various contexts, primarily within news and media, to subtly convey internal states or situational instability. While alternatives like "hint of doubt" or "trace of hesitancy" exist, "flicker of uncertainty" carries a unique nuance that effectively communicates a fleeting sense of unease. When using the phrase, consider its delicate nature and avoid overuse, ensuring it enhances rather than overshadows the surrounding narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of doubt

Focuses on the slight suggestion of doubt present.

trace of hesitancy

Emphasizes the minimal amount of hesitation observed.

shadow of doubt

Implies a more significant, though still subtle, presence of doubt.

tinge of skepticism

Highlights a slight coloring of disbelief.

whisper of apprehension

Conveys a quiet, underlying anxiety.

glimmer of reservation

Focuses on a subdued feeling of holding back or disagreeing.

suggestion of ambiguity

Highlights the presence of something vague or unclear.

nuance of indecision

Emphasizes the subtle aspect of being unable to decide.

air of precariousness

Shifts the focus to a feeling of instability or insecurity.

vestige of ambivalence

Indicates a remaining trace of mixed feelings or contradictory ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "flicker of uncertainty" in a sentence?

You can use "flicker of uncertainty" to describe a brief moment of doubt or hesitation, as in, "A "flicker of uncertainty" crossed her face before she answered the question".

What's a good alternative to "flicker of uncertainty"?

Alternatives include "hint of doubt", "trace of hesitancy", or "shadow of doubt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flicker of uncertainty" a formal or informal expression?

"Flicker of uncertainty" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the overall tone of the writing than the setting.

What does "flicker of uncertainty" imply about a character or situation?

It suggests a transient moment of doubt or instability, indicating that while there is some hesitation or lack of confidence, it's not necessarily a dominant or lasting feeling.