is uncertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is uncertain" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express doubt or ambiguity about something. Here is an example: "The outcome of the election is uncertain due to the tight race between the two candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His timetable is uncertain.

The New York Times

That limit is uncertain.

The New York Times

(His logic is uncertain).

The New York Times

His health is uncertain.

The New Yorker

The outcome is uncertain.

The New York Times - Arts

What followed is uncertain.

The Economist

Everything is uncertain.

The New York Times

He is uncertain himself.

The New Yorker

His status is uncertain.

The New York Times - Sports

The world is uncertain.

Independent

Its future is uncertain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is uncertain" to express doubt or ambiguity when the outcome or status of something is not yet known or predictable. For example, "The future of the project is uncertain due to budget cuts."

Common error

While "is uncertain" is widely acceptable, consider stronger alternatives like "remains unknown" or "is indeterminate" in highly formal or scientific writing to convey a more precise degree of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is uncertain" primarily functions as a predicative adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, where it attributes a state of uncertainty to a subject, indicating that something is not known or determined. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its role in expressing doubt or ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is uncertain" serves as a versatile tool for expressing doubt or ambiguity. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Appearing most frequently in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using "is uncertain", consider stronger alternatives in formal writing and be mindful of the subtle differences between similar phrases like "is doubtful". This analysis should provide a deeper understanding of how to effectively incorporate "is uncertain" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not definite

Replaces "uncertain" with a more direct negative statement about definiteness.

is questionable

Focuses on the dubiousness or disputability of something.

is not confirmed

Indicates a lack of validation or verification.

remains unresolved

Highlights the ongoing state of being unsettled or undecided.

is yet to be determined

Emphasizes the future aspect of finding a resolution or answer.

is open to question

Suggests that something is subject to debate or scrutiny.

is shrouded in doubt

Implies a strong sense of uncertainty and lack of clarity.

is subject to change

Highlights the potential for alteration or modification.

is up in the air

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is undecided or unresolved.

is speculative

Conveys that something is based on conjecture rather than solid evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "is uncertain" in a sentence?

You can use "is uncertain" to describe situations where the outcome or status is not yet known. For example: "The success of the new policy /s/is+uncertain." or "Whether they will attend the meeting /s/is+uncertain."

What are some alternatives to "is uncertain"?

Alternatives include /s/is+questionable, /s/is+not+definite, or /s/remains+unresolved. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "is uncertain about"?

While "is uncertain" is often used alone, using "is uncertain about" is grammatically correct when referring to someone's feelings or knowledge about a specific topic. For example: "He /s/is+uncertain+about the details of the agreement."

What's the difference between "is uncertain" and "is doubtful"?

"Is uncertain" generally indicates a lack of predictability or knowledge. "Is doubtful" implies a stronger degree of disbelief or skepticism. For example, "The weather forecast /s/is+uncertain" suggests unpredictability, while "Her chances of winning /s/are+doubtful" indicates a low probability of success.