is unsure whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unsure whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or uncertainty about a particular situation or decision. Example: "She is unsure whether to accept the job offer or continue her studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Bonds is unsure whether he can approach McGwire's record.

The New York Times - Sports

He is unsure whether she got the best care she could have.

The New York Times

Van Gaal is unsure whether Rooney will return for the season's final match at Hull City.

The Guardian - Sport

The program is unsure whether I'm male or female (I'm male).

The Guardian

This show is unsure whether it wants to be funky or formal.

The New York Times - Arts

All the same, he is unsure whether to track down his birth parents.

The Guardian

But she is unsure whether she will want to return to work after the child arrives.

The New York Times - Magazine

Each is unsure whether the other is false flesh or the real thing.

The New Yorker

Even today, he is unsure whether H.I.V. can be transmitted through sex.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Mr. Cherubin is unsure whether his business will survive the few months left until tax season.

The New York Times

India itself has suffered recent floods and has offered some help (Pakistan is unsure whether to accept).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing uncertainty about a future event or decision, using "is unsure whether" can effectively convey a sense of doubt or indecision. Ensure the sentence structure clearly outlines the subject and the matter of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid substituting "that" for "whether" after "is unsure". "Whether" introduces alternative possibilities, while "that" introduces a statement of fact. Incorrect: He is unsure that he will attend. Correct: He "is unsure whether" he will attend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unsure whether" functions as a means to express doubt or uncertainty regarding a particular situation, decision, or outcome. It indicates that the subject lacks confidence or certainty about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is both valid and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is unsure whether" is a versatile phrase used to express doubt or uncertainty about a situation or decision. As Ludwig AI points out, the construction is grammatically sound and commonly employed. It's prevalent in news media, but also suitable for professional and informal contexts. When using the phrase, make sure that "whether" is used to clearly lay out the alternative possibilities or outcomes being considered. Remember to avoid replacing "whether" with "that". Alternative phrasing, such as "is uncertain whether" or "is doubtful whether", can provide subtle variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is uncertain whether

Direct synonym, replacing 'unsure' with 'uncertain' maintains the meaning of doubt.

is doubtful whether

Emphasizes the lack of confidence in a particular outcome or decision.

is not sure if

A more informal way to express uncertainty, replacing "whether" with "if".

is hesitant to

Indicates reluctance or unwillingness, stemming from uncertainty.

is undetermined whether

Indicates that a decision or outcome is still not established or decided.

is in two minds about

Expresses indecision and conflicting opinions about something.

is of two minds whether

Expresses indecision between two alternatives, emphasizing the internal conflict.

is wavering on

Suggests fluctuation between different options or decisions.

is unconfirmed whether

Expresses that something has not yet been verified or proven, leading to uncertainty.

is ambivalent about

Highlights the presence of mixed feelings and contradictory ideas.

FAQs

How to use "is unsure whether" in a sentence?

Use "is unsure whether" to express doubt or uncertainty about a choice, action, or event. For example, "She "is unsure whether" to accept the job offer".

What can I say instead of "is unsure whether"?

You can use alternatives like "is uncertain whether", "is doubtful whether", or "is not sure if" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is unsure whether" or "is unsure that"?

"Is unsure whether" is correct when indicating doubt between two or more possibilities. "Is unsure that" is generally incorrect; "whether" is needed to introduce the alternative. For example: He "is unsure whether" he can come.

What's the difference between "is unsure whether" and "is uncertain whether"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning of doubt, "is uncertain whether" might be considered slightly more formal than "is unsure whether". They are largely interchangeable in most contexts.