is uncertain about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is uncertain about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or lack of clarity regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "She is uncertain about the best course of action to take in this situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is uncertain about how to resolve this conflict.

The New York Times - Books

Maybe it is uncertain about getting to 90.

The Guardian - Film

Moreover, the principal is uncertain about the agent's preferences conditional on the states.

Stanford University

Thiel himself, perhaps out of sheer contrarianism, is uncertain about Darwinian evolution.

The New Yorker

For his part, Mr. Siekaczek is uncertain about the impact of the Siemens case.

The New York Times

For now, he has no job and is uncertain about his future.

The New York Times

The seller of N distinct objects is uncertain about the buyer's valuation for those objects.

Journal of Economic Theory

It is uncertain about its identity, its shared values, its future.

The New York Times

At this point, she is uncertain about competing in two events.

The New York Times - Sports

If his head tilts slightly, he is uncertain about your meaning, so try to clarify.

The New York Times

He is uncertain about the strength of her ongoing commitment to the issue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is uncertain about", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and object of the uncertainty. For example, specify who is uncertain and what they are uncertain about to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is uncertain about" without specifying the subject or object of uncertainty. A sentence like "The future is uncertain" lacks clarity. Instead, specify who or what is uncertain to provide more informative content. For example: "Analysts are uncertain about the future of the economy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is uncertain about" functions as a predicative adjective phrase expressing a state of doubt, lack of confidence, or incomplete knowledge regarding a specific subject. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is a common construction used to convey a lack of definitive information or conviction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is uncertain about" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for expressing doubt or a lack of definitive knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like ""is unsure about"" and "is doubtful about" exist, "is uncertain about" remains a clear and reliable choice. To ensure clarity, specify the subject and object of the uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unsure about

Indicates a lack of confidence or certainty, similar to being uncertain.

is doubtful about

Implies skepticism or disbelief, a stronger form of uncertainty.

is hesitant about

Suggests reluctance or unwillingness due to uncertainty or doubt.

is skeptical about

Expresses doubt and questioning attitude.

is dubious about

Conveys a sense of doubt or suspicion regarding something.

is apprehensive about

Implies anxiety or fear about a future event or situation.

is indecisive about

Highlights the difficulty in making a decision due to uncertainty.

is in two minds about

Indicates being torn between two options or opinions.

is on the fence about

Suggests a neutral or undecided position regarding something.

lacks confidence in

Focuses on the absence of self-assurance or trust.

FAQs

What does "is uncertain about" mean?

The phrase "is uncertain about" means someone lacks confidence or definite knowledge regarding a particular subject or situation. It indicates a state of doubt or hesitancy.

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

You can use "is uncertain about" to express doubt or lack of clarity. For instance, "She "is unsure about" her decision" shows she isn't completely confident in her choice.

Which is correct, "is uncertain about" or "is uncertain of"?

Both "is uncertain about" and "is uncertain of" are grammatically correct, but "is uncertain about" is more common and generally preferred in contemporary English. "Is uncertain of" tends to be used when referring to things you were once certain about, but no longer are.

What are some alternatives to "is uncertain about"?

Alternatives to "is uncertain about" include phrases like ""is unsure about"", "is doubtful about", or "is hesitant about", which can add nuance to your writing.