great uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

"great uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation wherein it is difficult to make a decision because of a lack of information or knowledge. For example, "The President's reelection is surrounded by great uncertainty due to recent political developments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a time of great uncertainty".

The New York Times - Science

Now, there is great uncertainty about what consumers will do.

The Economist

That's the great uncertainty of the political cycle.

The Guardian

Acheson provided remarkable leadership during an era of great uncertainty.

The Economist

This time, it also raises the prospect of great uncertainty.

The New York Times

"Clearly, one great uncertainty continues to hang over the campaign.

The Guardian - Books

"There's been great uncertainty in the sector," he said.

The New York Times

Yet the late seventies were also years of great uncertainty.

The New Yorker

But for many Algerians, great uncertainty still prevails.

The New York Times

And, it should be added, in great uncertainty.

The New York Times

Analysts said that OPEC's leaders were grappling with great uncertainty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great uncertainty", consider specifying the source or area of uncertainty to provide more clarity. For example, instead of saying "There is great uncertainty", specify "There is great uncertainty about the company's future earnings".

Common error

Avoid using "great uncertainty" as a generic placeholder for any type of risk or doubt. Ensure that the uncertainty is genuinely significant and impactful, and clearly articulate what is uncertain. Don't just say "There's great uncertainty," explain what the uncertainty pertains to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great uncertainty" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition characterized by a lack of predictability or definite knowledge. Ludwig AI validates this usage, demonstrating its acceptance in describing various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great uncertainty" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe situations lacking predictability or clear information. According to Ludwig, it is acceptable for use in various contexts, primarily appearing in news, scientific, and business-related domains. When using this phrase, it's best to provide context and avoid vagueness by specifying the area of uncertainty. Alternative phrases like ""significant ambiguity"" or ""tremendous unpredictability"" can be used to add nuance. Remember to avoid overuse in vague contexts to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tremendous unpredictability

Stresses the inability to foresee future events or outcomes.

significant ambiguity

Focuses on the lack of clarity and multiple possible interpretations.

considerable doubt

Emphasizes the feeling of disbelief or lack of confidence in something.

major vagueness

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or detail.

profound instability

Highlights the lack of stability and potential for sudden changes.

marked confusion

Highlights the state of being bewildered or unclear.

immense doubtfulness

Focuses on the quality of being suspicious or questionable.

substantial precariousness

Highlights the instability, insecurity and uncertainty.

vast imprecision

Highlights the lack of exactness or accuracy.

deep skepticism

Focuses on a state of mind characterized by doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "great uncertainty" to describe situations where outcomes are unpredictable or information is lacking. For instance, "The economic forecast is clouded by "great uncertainty" due to the ongoing trade negotiations".

What are some alternatives to "great uncertainty"?

Alternatives include "significant ambiguity", "considerable doubt", or "tremendous unpredictability", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "great uncertainty" or "high uncertainty"?

"Great uncertainty" and "high uncertainty" are largely interchangeable, but "great uncertainty" might suggest a more pervasive or impactful sense of unpredictability. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "great uncertainty" and "great risk"?

"Great uncertainty" refers to the lack of predictability or knowledge about future events, whereas "great risk" implies the potential for negative consequences. You can have "great risk" without "great uncertainty" (e.g., a known danger), and vice versa.