in case of uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

"in case of uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is done or should be done in the event of ambiguity or doubt. For example: "We recommend conducting further research in case of uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The role of trust in case of uncertainty and information asymmetry also pushes towards more scope for tighter relationships as those within one same firm.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Piles may also be used to support buildings in case of uncertainty in the ability of a shallow foundation to carry necessary loads due to loose soil underneath.

Geotechnical Engineering Calculations and Rules of Thumb

After the theoretical consideration and comparison of the different approximation methods, they are applied to the robust design of an 18-bar frame in case of uncertainty.

Computers & Structures

Values and preferences: in case of uncertainty or large variability, the level of evidence of the recommendation is probably weak, and values and preferences must be more clearly obtained from the affected persons (patient, physician and decision-maker).

Annals of Intensive Care

Compared to the miss detection probability presented in Fig. 4, the false alarm probability is more sensitive to the number of attackers since in case where the FC cannot be sure if the primary user is using the spectrum or not, it assumes that there is a transmission to prevent possible interferences which may increase the false alarm probability in case of uncertainty.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The goal of the present paper is to report on some recent advances, which we have made over the last five years, in spatial interpolation and sampling design in case of uncertainty about the parameters of common geostatistical models and non-Gaussianity of observations.

Spatial Statistics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

In case of uncertainties, the full text was retrieved and authors and participating institutions were listed in the corresponding countries.

Health Economics Review

In case of uncertainties in the model, fuzzy multiple objectives can be applied in supply chain networks (Sherafati and Bashiri 2016; Rezaee et al. 2016).

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Robustness of the adaptive observers is investigated in case of uncertainties and errors in the reservoir and well parameters of the models.

Journal of Process Control

Both techniques allow to verify that the design is robust enough to meet the system performance specification in case of uncertainties.

Acta Astronautica

The tutors ascribed great importance to the continuous availability of a contact doctor in case of uncertainties.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in case of uncertainty", always specify the action to be taken or the precaution to be followed to ensure clarity and preparedness.

Common error

Avoid passive constructions that obscure who is responsible for taking action. Instead of saying, "Further investigation will be conducted in case of uncertainty", specify who will conduct the investigation: "The research team will conduct further investigation in case of uncertainty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in case of uncertainty" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a condition under which a particular action should be taken. It introduces a contingency plan or precautionary measure, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

Formal & Business

15%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in case of uncertainty" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a condition that warrants a specific action. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely accepted and suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in science, formal business, and news media. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly define the specific actions or precautions that should be taken to address the uncertainty. Related phrases include "if in doubt" and "should there be uncertainty", offering alternative ways to express the same idea. Remember to avoid passive voice to maintain clarity about who should take action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the event of doubt

Emphasizes the possibility of doubt arising.

should there be uncertainty

Presents a more formal and hypothetical scenario.

if uncertainty arises

Focuses on the emergence of uncertainty as a condition.

when faced with ambiguity

Highlights the presence of ambiguity and the need to address it.

given the possibility of vagueness

Acknowledges the potential for a lack of clarity.

where clarity is lacking

Indicates a situation where clear information is absent.

on the chance of imprecision

Highlights the potential for a lack of precision.

if there's any ambiguity

More informal version emphasizing any presence of ambiguity.

when unsure

Shortened and informal way of expressing a lack of certainty.

if in doubt

A common idiomatic phrase that conveys the same meaning in a succinct way.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "in case of uncertainty" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "should there be uncertainty" or "in the event of doubt" depending on the context.

What's a simpler way to say "in case of uncertainty"?

You can use shorter alternatives like "if in doubt" or "when unsure" for a more direct approach.

How does "in case of uncertainty" differ from "in case of doubt"?

"In case of doubt" generally refers to a feeling of disbelief or lack of confidence, while "in case of uncertainty" refers to a situation where information is incomplete or unclear. While similar, uncertainty leans more towards informational gaps, and doubt, emotional or trust-based reservations.

When is it appropriate to use "in case of uncertainty" in writing?

Use "in case of uncertainty" when you want to indicate that a specific action or protocol should be followed if there is a lack of clarity or incomplete information about a situation. It is suitable for instructional, procedural, and precautionary contexts.