it is not certain

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is not certain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when something is uncertain or unclear. For example, "It is not certain whether the new policy will improve the company's profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While TAAR1 is inactivated in dogs, it is not certain that its function has been lost.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

It is not certain where the garden had its beginnings.

The New Yorker

It is not certain.

The Guardian

It is not certain to win.

The Economist

It is not certain it will succeed.

The Economist

But it is not certain they will.

The Guardian

But it is not certain that it would.

University of California, Berkeley

It is not certain when it would happen.

The New York Times

It is not certain that they will next time.

The Economist

It is not certain Canada would agree to that.

Independent

It is not certain that any now do.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conveying uncertainty, use "it is not certain" to introduce a statement and follow it with a clear explanation of what is uncertain and why. This adds clarity and context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions with "it is not certain". While grammatically correct, excessively relying on passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Instead, consider rephrasing to use a more direct and active construction where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not certain" functions as a hedge or qualifier, expressing a lack of definitive knowledge or assurance. It is commonly used to introduce a statement where the speaker or writer wishes to avoid making an absolute claim. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage. Many examples across various sources illustrate this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is not certain" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile phrase used to express uncertainty across a spectrum of contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific domains, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: explicitly stating what remains uncertain enhances the effectiveness of your communication. Although "it is not certain" is correct, consider a more direct and active construction to avoid overusing passive voice and improve the overall strength of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not definite

Replaces "certain" with "definite", indicating a lack of assuredness.

it is not guaranteed

Emphasizes that an outcome is not assured or promised.

it is not sure

Uses "sure" instead of "certain", providing a more informal tone while retaining the meaning.

it remains to be seen

Suggests that the outcome will only be known in the future.

the outcome is uncertain

Focuses on the uncertainty of the result rather than the lack of certainty.

it is open to question

Indicates that something is debatable or not yet resolved.

it is doubtful

Expresses a stronger degree of skepticism about a particular outcome.

it is questionable

Similar to doubtful, suggesting that something is unlikely or unreliable.

it is up in the air

An idiomatic expression meaning that something is unresolved or undecided.

it is contingent

Implies that something depends on other factors or conditions.

FAQs

What does "it is not certain" mean?

The phrase "it is not certain" indicates a state of uncertainty or doubt about a particular outcome, fact, or event. It suggests that the truth or the future is unknown or unpredictable.

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

You can use "it is not certain" to introduce a statement where you want to express doubt or a lack of definite knowledge. For example, "It is not certain if the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "it is not certain"?

Alternatives to "it is not certain" include phrases like "it is not definite", "it is not sure", or "the outcome is uncertain". These options offer similar meanings but can vary slightly in tone or emphasis.

Is there a difference between "it is not certain" and "it is uncertain"?

While similar, "it is not certain" focuses on the lack of certitude, whereas "it is uncertain" emphasizes the state of being unpredictable or unknown. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.