genuine uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "genuine uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is real doubt or lack of clarity about something. Example: "In scientific research, genuine uncertainty can lead to new questions and further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The effort involves genuine uncertainty.

Harvard Business Review

"We're talking about cases of genuine uncertainty and equipoise.

Stanford University

In a few those chickens, arguably there is genuine uncertainty.

The Economist

Otherwise, the differences would be a result of genuine uncertainty.

The Guardian

And that is a pity, for there is enough genuine uncertainty surrounding AIDS, without manufacturing more.

The Economist

Similarly the project also helped to identify those areas of genuine uncertainty.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

He said pension changes will give people freedom to manage and make choices over their own affairs, but added there were "genuine uncertainties" about the effect of the policy.

The Guardian - Business

While saying that there were advantages to the pension changes, including the likelihood that people would save more, he added: "There are some genuine uncertainties about the effect of the policy.

The Guardian - Money

We distinguish between linear time-varying parameters, which are assumed to be available online as scheduling parameters for the controller, and genuine uncertainties, not necessarily time-varying, parametric or linear, that are not available online.

Automatica

Terrorism is a clear context of rapid change, greater complexity and genuine uncertainties.

European Journal of Futures Research

In the face of accelerated change and genuine uncertainties in the business environment as well as the need of processing and interpreting the information coming from majority of sources, foresight research in the enterprises comes into prominence.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "genuine uncertainty" with specific areas or factors contributing to the ambiguity for more precise and impactful writing. For instance, "genuine uncertainty about market trends" is more informative than just "genuine uncertainty".

Common error

Avoid using "genuine uncertainty" when there's simply a lack of complete data but a clear trend. "Incomplete data" or "limited evidence" may be more accurate when the situation isn't truly uncertain, but rather lacks full information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genuine uncertainty" functions as a noun phrase, where "genuine" modifies the noun "uncertainty". According to Ludwig, it's used to describe situations where there is an authentic lack of clarity or predictability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "genuine uncertainty" is a commonly used phrase, as shown by Ludwig, to describe situations where doubt or lack of clarity is real and verifiable. It functions as a noun phrase and is utilized across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. Ludwig AI classifies the phrase as grammatically correct. While alternatives like "real doubt" or "authentic ambiguity" exist, "genuine uncertainty" is a direct and effective way to express the presence of authentic ambiguity. When employing the phrase, be sure to specify the reasons for the uncertainty and avoid using it when there's merely a lack of complete data. Remember, per Ludwig's examples, it's a tool for highlighting authentic ambiguity, not just a lack of information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real doubt

Focuses on the feeling of doubt being authentic.

authentic ambiguity

Highlights the ambiguity's legitimacy and not artificiality.

true unpredictability

Emphasizes that the lack of predictability is real.

veritable doubt

Uses 'veritable' to stress the genuineness of the doubt.

legitimate uncertainty

Indicates the uncertainty is justifiable or valid.

bona fide uncertainty

Uses the Latin term 'bona fide' for genuine.

sincere ambiguity

Highlights the sincerity behind the ambiguity.

unfeigned doubt

States that the doubt is not pretended or artificial.

actual unpredictability

Focuses on the fact that the unpredictability is real and not perceived.

palpable uncertainty

Suggests the uncertainty is easily perceived or obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "genuine uncertainty" in a sentence?

You can use "genuine uncertainty" to describe situations where doubt or lack of clarity exists. For example, "There is "genuine uncertainty" about the long-term effects of the new policy".

What phrases can I use instead of "genuine uncertainty"?

Alternatives to "genuine uncertainty" include "real doubt", "authentic ambiguity", or "true unpredictability", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very genuine uncertainty"?

While grammatically correct, adding "very" to "genuine uncertainty" can be redundant. "Genuine" already implies authenticity and realness. Consider using stronger alternatives like "profound uncertainty" if you want to emphasize the degree of uncertainty.

What is the difference between "genuine uncertainty" and "perceived uncertainty"?

"Genuine uncertainty" refers to a situation where the uncertainty is real and factual, while "perceived uncertainty" refers to uncertainty that exists in someone's mind but may not be based on facts. One is objective, the other is subjective.