it is still uncertain whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is still uncertain whether" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when there is an undecided outcome or resolution that you're unsure of. For example: It is still uncertain whether this project will be completed by the end of the week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is still uncertain whether the space will become vacant.

The New York Times

She continued: "It is still uncertain whether the bodies even included the three personalities.

The New York Times

But it is still uncertain whether the system will be changed.

The Economist

And many say it is still uncertain whether AZT even prolongs life.

The New York Times - Health

It is still uncertain whether everybody will remain in their chairs.

The New York Times

It is still uncertain whether humans first came to Siberia from Europe or from central and eastern Asia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it is still uncertain whether that will lead to a more genuine thawing of relations with the West.

The Economist

It is still uncertain whether the remnants of a baseball team were included in the pile of waste.

The New York Times - Sports

While African American voters are behind Clinton, it is still uncertain whether she will receive the same level of voter turnout as Obama.

Columbia University

However it is still uncertain whether reproductive history causally influences health, or whether other confounding factors such as childhood health or risk-taking propensity could explain the association.

Social Science & Medicine

But it is still uncertain whether the Australian economy will be able to fill the hole that the mining sector has left.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is still uncertain whether", ensure the context clearly outlines what factors contribute to the uncertainty. Providing context helps the reader understand the scope and implications of the unresolved issue.

Common error

Avoid using "it is still uncertain whether" without specifying what exactly is uncertain. For example, instead of saying "It is still uncertain whether the project will succeed", clarify with "It is still uncertain whether the project will succeed given the current budget constraints".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is still uncertain whether" functions as an introductory clause expressing doubt or a lack of definitive knowledge about a subsequent proposition. This uncertainty can apply to various contexts, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is still uncertain whether" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for expressing uncertainty, particularly in formal contexts such as science and news. Ludwig confirms that it's a valid and useful expression. The phrase serves to introduce a proposition where the outcome or truth is not yet known, inviting further examination. When using this phrase, provide clear context to specify the subject of uncertainty. Alternatives include phrases like "it remains unclear whether" or "it's not yet known if", depending on the desired level of formality. Ludwig's examples and analysis confirm its widespread applicability across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains unclear whether

Replaces "is still uncertain" with "remains unclear", emphasizing the continuing lack of clarity.

it is yet to be determined whether

Emphasizes the future aspect of the determination, implying that investigation is ongoing.

the outcome is still in question

Focuses on the outcome being unresolved, rather than the uncertainty itself.

it's not yet known if

Uses a more informal tone, replacing "uncertain" with "not yet known".

it has not been established whether

Indicates a lack of formal confirmation or proof.

the certainty of this is still lacking

Shifts the focus to the absence of certainty, rather than the state of uncertainty.

doubts persist as to whether

Emphasizes the continued existence of doubts regarding a specific issue.

there's no consensus on whether

Highlights the lack of agreement among experts or stakeholders.

the issue is still up for debate

Focuses on the ongoing discussion and disagreement surrounding the topic.

the jury is still out on whether

Uses an idiom to convey that a final decision or conclusion has not yet been reached.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is still uncertain whether" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use phrases like "it remains unclear whether", "it is yet to be determined whether", or "it has not been established whether" to convey a similar meaning with greater formality.

What are some alternatives to "it is still uncertain whether" for informal contexts?

For informal contexts, consider using phrases like "it's not yet known if" or "the jury is still out on whether" to express uncertainty in a more casual tone.

Is "it is still uncertain whether" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is still uncertain whether" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English writing. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage.

How does "it is still uncertain whether" differ from "it is certain that"?

"It is still uncertain whether" indicates doubt or a lack of definitive information regarding a particular outcome or situation. In contrast, "it is certain that" asserts a confirmed fact or a highly probable outcome.