it is not clear whether

USAGE SUMMARY

'it is not clear whether' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "It is not clear whether the new policy will help solve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not clear whether he was speaking sincerely.

Independent

It is not clear whether the couple spotted him.

Independent

It is not clear whether that wiretap produced evidence.

The New York Times

It is not clear whether Germany will accept either one.

The New York Times

It is not clear whether the Administration will be receptive.

The New Yorker

It is not clear whether those tests have been compromised.

The New York Times

It is not clear whether he ever paid that debt.

The New York Times

(It is not clear whether Mr. Stevenson knew this).

The New York Times

It is not clear whether Mrs. Clinton did so.

The New York Times

It is not clear whether the victims were targeted.

The New York Times

It is not clear whether that confidential informant will testify.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is not clear whether", ensure the sentence structure clearly presents the alternatives being considered. For example, "It is not clear whether the company will expand or remain at its current size."

Common error

Ensure that the 'it' in "it is not clear whether" has a clear antecedent in the preceding text to avoid ambiguity. If the antecedent is not immediately obvious, rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not clear whether" functions as an introductory clause expressing uncertainty or doubt. It sets the stage for presenting two or more possibilities or options, indicating that the outcome or situation is not yet known or definitively established. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is not clear whether" is a versatile phrase used to introduce uncertainty or doubt, often setting the stage for presenting multiple possibilities. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its frequent use across diverse contexts such as news, science, and business. While adaptable to both formal and informal writing, it's essential to ensure clarity by avoiding vague pronoun references. Considering alternatives such as "it remains uncertain whether" can add nuance to your writing. In essence, mastering this phrase enhances your ability to convey uncertainty accurately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains uncertain whether

Emphasizes ongoing uncertainty.

it's uncertain if

More concise and slightly less formal.

it's unknown whether

Highlights a lack of knowledge.

it's hard to say if

Expresses difficulty in determining the truth.

the question remains whether

Focuses on an unresolved question.

it's debatable whether

Suggests the topic is open to argument.

it's open to question whether

Highlights that the matter is not settled.

it is yet to be determined whether

Emphasizes that a decision has not been reached.

there's no consensus on whether

Indicates disagreement on the matter.

the jury is still out on whether

Suggests a final decision cannot yet be made.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it remains uncertain whether" or "it is yet to be determined whether".

What's the difference between "it is not clear whether" and "it is unclear whether"?

The phrase "it is unclear whether" is a more concise alternative to "it is not clear whether", with very little difference in meaning. Both are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, though "it is unclear whether" is slightly more direct.

Is "it is not clear whether" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "it is not clear whether" is appropriate for academic writing. It's a neutral and professional way to express uncertainty or a lack of conclusive evidence. Just ensure your writing is objective and supported by evidence when presenting such statements.

What are some less formal alternatives to "it is not clear whether"?

Less formal alternatives include "it's hard to say if" or "it's uncertain if". These options are more conversational and suitable for informal contexts.