fraught with uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

"fraught with uncertainty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate a situation or state of affairs that involves some kind of peril, anxiety, or suspense. For example: "The future of the world economy is fraught with uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The political situation is fraught with uncertainty.

The New York Times

The situation is too fraught with uncertainty.

The New York Times - Magazine

The subject is fraught with uncertainty.

The Guardian

But such comparisons are fraught with uncertainty.

The New York Times

Yet, how soon that vision materializes is fraught with uncertainty.

The Washington Post

But that option is also fraught with uncertainty.

The New York Times

What happens after the funeral, however, is fraught with uncertainty.

The New York Times

The freelance life has always been fraught with uncertainty.

The New York Times - Arts

The future, once again for Leeds, remains fraught with uncertainty.

The Guardian - Sport

The single parent's existence is fraught with uncertainty – and fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even entertainment shows have been fraught with uncertainty.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fraught with uncertainty", ensure the subject is something that genuinely involves unpredictability or risk, not just general difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "fraught with uncertainty" when describing a task or situation that is simply challenging. The phrase implies a significant element of unpredictability, risk, or potential danger, not just difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fraught with uncertainty" typically functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its condition or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to describe situations involving peril, anxiety, or suspense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fraught with uncertainty" is a well-established and commonly used expression to describe situations filled with unpredictability and potential risk. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. The phrase functions as an adjectival modifier and conveys a sense of unease and potential danger, more so than simple uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, while related phrases such as "filled with doubt" or "laden with risk" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure the situation truly involves significant risk and unpredictability, avoiding its misuse for merely difficult situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filled with doubt

Emphasizes the presence of doubt and skepticism.

laden with risk

Highlights the potential for danger or failure.

replete with unknowns

Emphasizes a large number of factors that are not known.

riddled with ambiguity

Highlights the lack of clarity and precision.

clouded by vagueness

Indicates a lack of definite or clear character.

permeated by doubt

Indicates doubt is widespread and influential.

beset by unpredictability

Focuses on the element of not being able to foresee events.

subject to speculation

Focuses on the speculative nature of the subject, implying uncertainty.

plagued by insecurity

Stresses the feeling of not being secure or safe.

tinged with apprehension

Suggests a slight feeling of dread or worry.

FAQs

How can I use "fraught with uncertainty" in a sentence?

You can use "fraught with uncertainty" to describe situations or plans where the outcome is unpredictable and involves potential risks. For example, "The company's new venture is fraught with uncertainty due to the volatile market conditions."

What are some alternatives to "fraught with uncertainty"?

You can use alternatives like "filled with doubt", "laden with risk", or "beset by unpredictability" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "fraught with uncertainty" or "full of uncertainty"?

"Fraught with uncertainty" implies a higher degree of risk and anxiety compared to "full of uncertainty". The former suggests a more perilous or worrisome situation.

What's the difference between "fraught with uncertainty" and "rife with uncertainty"?

While both phrases suggest a situation is filled with uncertainty, "fraught with uncertainty" often carries a stronger connotation of potential danger or negative consequences. "Rife with uncertainty" simply means that uncertainty is common or widespread.