is less certain

USAGE SUMMARY

"is less certain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is not as reliable or definitive as something else. For example: The reliability of the data is less certain than the results of the study.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing is less certain.

The Economist

Mr Pilati's future is less certain.

The Economist

Yet Professor Chien is less certain.

The New York Times - Tech

Here the answer is less certain.

The Economist

The butcher himself is less certain.

Independent

She is less certain about the rest.

The New York Times

What happens after that is less certain.

The Economist

Mr. Hatfield is less certain.

The New York Times

But Fox is less certain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whether Susan Boyle wins is less certain.

The Guardian

The future, they suggested, is less certain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is less certain" when you want to express a degree of doubt or uncertainty about a particular situation, outcome, or fact. It's suitable for contexts where absolute certainty is not possible or verifiable.

Common error

Avoid using "is less certain" repeatedly in formal documents. Vary your language with synonyms like "remains questionable" or "is open to doubt" to maintain reader engagement and prevent your writing from sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less certain" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun by expressing a degree of uncertainty, implying that something is not as assured or definite as it might seem or have been previously considered. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is less certain" is a versatile phrase used to express a qualified lack of confidence or assurance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It finds frequent use in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for a range of subjects where absolute certainty cannot be guaranteed. While grammatically sound, it's advisable to vary phrasing to prevent repetition, and its use should align with the intended level of formality. Remember, it's valuable when you need to convey some doubt without making a complete rejection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is somewhat uncertain

This simply adds "somewhat" to nuance the level of uncertainty.

is more doubtful

This phrase replaces "certain" with "doubtful", strengthening the sense of uncertainty.

is not as sure

This alternative uses a more direct and simple way to express a lack of certainty.

is not definite

This version emphasizes the lack of definiteness or finality.

remains questionable

This phrase shifts from a personal assessment to an objective status, indicating that the matter is still open to question.

is open to doubt

This alternative highlights the possibility of doubt surrounding the topic.

is subject to change

This indicates that the situation is fluid and may not remain the same.

is not necessarily true

This implies that something might not align with facts.

remains to be seen

This suggests that the outcome is still in the future and not yet determined.

is unlikely

This suggests a low probability of something occurring or being true.

FAQs

How can I use "is less certain" in a sentence?

You can use "is less certain" to express doubt about a future outcome, the validity of information, or the stability of a situation. For example, "Whether the project will succeed "is less certain" now due to the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "is less certain"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is more doubtful", "is not definite", or "remains questionable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is less certain" in writing?

It's suitable in situations where you need to express a moderate degree of uncertainty or doubt without making an outright declaration of disbelief or impossibility. Use it when you want to acknowledge a possibility while still indicating a lack of strong confidence.

Is "is less certain" more or less formal than "is uncertain"?

"Is less certain" and "is uncertain" are very similar in formality. However, "is uncertain" might be slightly more direct, while "is less certain" can sometimes imply a comparison to a previously stated certainty.