is not certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or lack of confidence about a particular situation or outcome. Example: "The weather forecast is not certain, so we should prepare for both rain and sunshine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even that is not certain.

The New York Times

But that is not certain.

The New York Times

It is not certain.

The Guardian

Bankruptcy is not certain.

The New York Times

He is not certain.

The New York Times - Sports

Iraq's territorial integrity is not certain.

The Economist

It is not certain to win.

The Economist

Their linguistic affiliation is not certain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is not certain it will succeed.

The Economist

But even that is not certain.

The Economist

*Parcells' return is not certain.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not certain" when you want to express a degree of doubt or uncertainty about a future event or current situation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "is not certain" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing passive constructions in your writing. Sometimes, rephrasing the sentence in the active voice can make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not certain" functions as a qualifier, expressing a lack of definitive knowledge or assurance. It modifies a statement, indicating that the truth or outcome is doubtful. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not certain" is a common and grammatically sound way to express uncertainty or doubt. Ludwig AI's analysis, backed by numerous examples from diverse sources, confirms its broad applicability. While alternatives like "is uncertain" exist, "is not certain" remains a versatile choice suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Be mindful of the potential for passive voice and consider whether a more precise phrasing might enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is uncertain

Replaces "not certain" with its direct synonym "uncertain", maintaining a high degree of similarity.

is doubtful

Indicates a stronger sense of disbelief or skepticism compared to "not certain".

is not guaranteed

Focuses on the lack of assurance or warranty, suitable when discussing outcomes or promises.

is questionable

Suggests that something is open to doubt or debate, implying a need for scrutiny.

remains to be seen

Emphasizes that the outcome will only be known in the future, highlighting the passage of time.

is up in the air

An idiomatic expression indicating that a decision or outcome is still undecided or unresolved.

is subject to change

Highlights the possibility of alterations or modifications, particularly in plans or arrangements.

is contingent upon

Indicates that something depends on specific conditions or factors being met.

is indefinite

Suggests that the extent or duration of something is not clearly defined or known.

is touch-and-go

Implies a precarious or risky situation where the outcome is uncertain and could easily go either way.

FAQs

How can I use "is not certain" in a sentence?

You can use "is not certain" to express doubt or uncertainty about a situation. For example, "The outcome of the election "is not certain"." or "Whether the project will be successful "is not certain"".

What's the difference between "is not certain" and "is uncertain"?

The phrases "is not certain" and "is uncertain" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. "Is uncertain" may sound slightly more formal or concise.

What are some alternatives to "is not certain"?

Some alternatives to "is not certain" include "is doubtful", "is unclear", "is not guaranteed", or "remains to be seen", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "is not certain" in formal writing?

Yes, "is not certain" is generally appropriate for formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise or nuanced phrase might better convey the specific degree of uncertainty you wish to express. Alternatives like "is provisional" or "is subject to change" could be more suitable in some contexts.