it is uncertain if

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is uncertain if' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when there is doubt or ambiguity surrounding a certain fact or situation. For example: "It is uncertain if Mary will be able to attend the meeting tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, it is uncertain if histopathological techniques accurately detect pCR.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

It is uncertain if he will return this season.

The New York Times - Sports

It is uncertain if he will return to the team.

The New York Times

It is uncertain if patients with hematological abnormalities face a higher risk of post-operative hemorrhage.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Though statins modulate inflammation, it is uncertain if they prevent VTE in heterogeneous populations.

Thrombosis Research

It is uncertain if it can be introduced from the top down.

The Guardian - Sport

But it is uncertain if federal authorities would share with baseball any evidence they develop on the clinic.

The New York Times - Sports

It is uncertain if Duval would play at next week's World Golf Championship NEC Invitational in Akron, Ohio.

The New York Times - Sports

It is uncertain if other suppliers could meet the demand for heart valves, which has often involved emergency surgery.

The New York Times

Although Blackmun will probably be offered a secondary role in the U.S.O.C., it is uncertain if he will take it.

The New York Times - Sports

It is uncertain if there will be such picture.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is uncertain if" to introduce statements where the outcome or truth is not yet confirmed or known. It's appropriate for expressing doubt in academic papers, news reports, and general discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "it is uncertain if" when you actually possess enough information to make a reasonable conclusion. Overusing it can weaken your argument and make your writing seem indecisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is uncertain if" functions as a hedge, introducing statements where the truth or outcome is not definitively known. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English. This phrase sets a tone of caution or acknowledges a lack of concrete evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is uncertain if" is a versatile phrase used to convey doubt or a lack of definitive knowledge, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, it serves to hedge statements and acknowledge ambiguity. While grammatically correct and widely used, overuse in declarative statements should be avoided. Remember that alternatives like "it is unclear whether" or "it remains to be seen whether" can provide nuanced expressions of uncertainty. This expression shows remarkable versatility and high frequency across a broad spectrum of written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unclear whether

Replaces "uncertain" with "unclear", maintaining the same expression of doubt.

it is not yet known if

Emphasizes the lack of current knowledge about a situation.

it's questionable whether

Expresses doubt about the likelihood of a particular outcome.

it remains to be seen whether

Shifts the focus to the future, indicating that the outcome is not yet known.

it's dubious whether

Implies a strong sense of skepticism about a particular claim or event.

there is no certainty that

Directly states the absence of certainty regarding a particular event.

it is open to question whether

Indicates that a matter is subject to debate and lacks a definitive answer.

the possibility remains that

Introduces a potential outcome, highlighting its uncertainty.

it's debatable whether

Suggests that there are arguments on both sides of an issue, making the outcome uncertain.

the outcome is still pending on

Focuses on the unresolved nature of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it is uncertain if" in a sentence?

You can use "it is uncertain if" to introduce a condition or outcome that is not yet known or confirmed. For example, "It is uncertain if the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "it is uncertain if"?

You can use alternatives like "it is unclear whether", "it remains to be seen whether", or "it is not yet known if" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it is uncertain if" or "it is uncertain whether"?

Both "it is uncertain if" and "it is uncertain whether" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Whether" is sometimes considered more formal, but "if" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts.

What's the difference between "it is uncertain if" and "it is doubtful if"?

"It is uncertain if" simply indicates a lack of certainty, while "it is doubtful if" implies a degree of skepticism or disbelief. The latter suggests that the speaker believes something is unlikely to happen or be true.