is not clear whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not clear whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or ambiguity about a situation or statement. Example: "In the report, it is not clear whether the results are statistically significant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is not clear whether he was ever paid it.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is not clear whether this was true or not.

The Guardian

It is not clear whether the payment was made.

The Guardian - Sport

But it is not clear whether that will be enough.

The New York Times

It is not clear whether they will be made public.

The New York Times

But it is not clear whether sentiment has truly changed.

The New York Times

It is not clear whether the team will return.

The Guardian

It is not clear whether she will walk again.

The New York Times

It is not clear whether there was an actual plot.

The New York Times

It is not clear whether the briefing occurred.

The New York Times - Tech

It is not clear whether the Administration will be receptive.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not clear whether" to introduce a question or issue that requires further investigation or clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "is not clear whether" with a pronoun that has an unclear or ambiguous referent. Ensure the subject of the sentence is clearly defined to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not clear whether" functions as an uncertainty marker. It introduces an element of doubt or ambiguity regarding a particular situation or outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not clear whether" serves as a versatile tool for expressing uncertainty across diverse domains. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While several alternatives exist, such as "it remains uncertain whether" or "it is uncertain if", "is not clear whether" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various registers. When employing this phrase, clarity in sentence structure is paramount to avoid ambiguity. Ultimately, mastering the use of "is not clear whether" empowers writers to acknowledge and navigate uncertainty with precision and sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains uncertain whether

Emphasizes the continuing state of uncertainty.

it is uncertain if

A more concise way to express uncertainty.

it's debatable whether

Highlights that the matter is open to discussion and disagreement.

it's questionable whether

Suggests there are reasons to doubt or challenge the proposition.

the certainty of it is unknown

Focuses on the lack of definitive knowledge.

it is yet to be determined if

Highlights that a decision or conclusion is still pending.

it's not definitively known whether

Emphasizes the absence of conclusive evidence.

it has not been established whether

Highlights the lack of confirmation or validation.

there's ambiguity surrounding whether

Focuses on the presence of unclear or contradictory information.

it is open to interpretation whether

Suggests the matter can be understood in multiple ways.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is not clear whether" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it remains uncertain whether", "it has not been established whether", or "the certainty of it is unknown".

What's the difference between "is not clear whether" and "is uncertain if"?

While both phrases express doubt, "is not clear whether" might suggest a lack of clarity in the information itself, whereas "is uncertain if" focuses more on a lack of conviction. The phrases "is uncertain if" is more concise.

Is it always necessary to follow "is not clear whether" with a complete clause?

Yes, "is not clear whether" should be followed by a complete clause that presents the uncertain situation or question. For example, "It is not clear whether the project will be completed on time."

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "is not clear whether"?

Ensure that the sentence structure is clear and that the "whether" clause is grammatically correct. Avoid using it in contexts where a simple affirmative or negative statement would be more appropriate. Don't repeat the same uncertainty twice in a sentence, be straightforward.