in uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

"in uncertainty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of doubt or instability in a certain situation. For example: The stock market has been fluctuating wildly lately, leaving investors in uncertainty.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Discomfort lies in uncertainty.

Harvard Business Review

"We can't sit there in uncertainty".

The New York Times - Sports

Instead they have been mired in uncertainty.

Independent

Practice exploring opportunities in uncertainty.

Stanford University

Still, the industry remains clouded in uncertainty.

The New York Times

Residents and shop-owners live in uncertainty.

The Guardian

England were enveloped in uncertainty, but so were their opponents.

The Guardian - Sport

To be in uncertainty is to be conceptually roofless.

The Guardian - Books

But doubt creeps in, and it ends in uncertainty.

The Guardian - Music

He was interested in uncertainty, inconclusion, sensuality, melancholy and pleasure.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

High-impact innovations have built-in uncertainty — but careful strategizing can reduce the risk.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in uncertainty", ensure the context clearly establishes what is uncertain. For example, specify "in economic uncertainty" or "in political uncertainty" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "in uncertainty" when you actually mean "with some doubt". "In uncertainty" suggests a general condition of unpredictability, whereas "with some doubt" implies a specific, limited reservation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in uncertainty" primarily functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the condition or state in which an action occurs or a situation exists. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates a lack of predictability or clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

21%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in uncertainty" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a state of unpredictability, doubt, or lack of clarity. According to Ludwig AI, its proper use indicates a feeling of doubt or instability in a given situation. Predominantly found in news media, scientific publications, and academic writing, the phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, adding depth and nuance to descriptions. When using "in uncertainty", ensure the context clearly establishes what is uncertain, and be mindful not to confuse it with similar expressions like "with some doubt". Considering the multifaceted nature of this phrase, carefully selecting alternatives such as "amidst ambiguity" or "in a state of doubt" can enhance precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amidst ambiguity

This alternative replaces "uncertainty" with "ambiguity", highlighting the lack of clarity.

in a state of doubt

This phrase directly indicates a condition of doubt, rather than focusing on the uncertainty itself.

surrounded by vagueness

This alternative emphasizes the lack of clear definition and precision.

engulfed in instability

This phrase conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by a lack of stability.

living with insecurity

This option focuses on the feeling of insecurity that arises from uncertainty.

in a precarious situation

This phrase highlights the risky and unstable nature of the circumstances.

beset by unpredictability

This alternative emphasizes the inability to foresee future events or outcomes.

in a quandary

This phrase indicates a state of confusion or doubt about what to do.

mired in hesitancy

This alternative underscores the reluctance to act due to uncertainty.

in a flux

This phrase conveys a sense of constant change and instability.

FAQs

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

You can use "in uncertainty" to describe situations lacking predictability. For instance, "The company operated "in uncertainty" due to the changing regulations."

What are some alternatives to "in uncertainty"?

Alternatives include phrases like "amidst ambiguity", "in a state of doubt", or "surrounded by vagueness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in uncertainty" or "with uncertainty"?

"In uncertainty" describes a state or condition, while "with uncertainty" describes an action performed with doubt. For example, one might live "in uncertainty", but approach a task "with uncertainty".

What does it mean to live "in uncertainty"?

Living "in uncertainty" implies a situation where the future is unpredictable and outcomes are not easily foreseen, leading to a lack of stability and potential anxiety.