it is uncertain that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is uncertain that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to express uncertainty about a situation or outcome. Example: It is uncertain that the team will win their next game, given their recent struggles.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

American regulators complained that the rules for these models needed more work.Even now, it is uncertain that American banks will meet the delayed timetable.

The Economist

"Don't count him out yet".Even if Mr Mugabe's senior security men wanted to launch a coup, it is uncertain that the rank and file would obey them.

The Economist

But he is not likely to play this season and it is uncertain that he would be included in training camp.

The New York Times - Sports

It is uncertain that the book will ever be published now, and less likely that Rybolovlev's masterpieces will ever be shown together.

The New Yorker

Without the games, it is uncertain that Beijing would have the opportunity to galvanise public opinion throughout China to clean up its environmental act.

The Economist

My father dedicated his life to these values, and as a consequence, it is uncertain that he will ever see the world beyond his prison cell again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

It was uncertain that the firm would survive.

The New Yorker

"It's uncertain that this type of car would actually have mass appeal," Mr. Moran said.

The New York Times

It was uncertain that she would survive even long enough to be moved into a hospice near her home.

The New York Times

We understand there was a three-week hiatus after Sept. 11 in which it was uncertain that it would reopen.

The New York Times

She also said it was uncertain that the I.M.F. board would approve more money before its meeting on Dec. 21.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is uncertain that", ensure the context clearly indicates what the uncertainty pertains to. Provide enough information for the reader to understand the scope and nature of the uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "it is uncertain that" when there's strong evidence suggesting a particular outcome. This phrase is best suited for situations where genuine doubt exists, not just to introduce a counter-argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is uncertain that" functions as a hedge, softening claims and expressing doubt or a lack of definitive knowledge. As Ludwig AI highlights, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. The examples provided by Ludwig show it introducing statements where outcomes or facts are not yet confirmed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is uncertain that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express doubt or uncertainty about a particular outcome or statement. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, it serves as a hedging device. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the subject of uncertainty is crucial, and overuse in situations with significant evidence should be avoided. Consider alternatives such as "it is doubtful that" or "it remains to be seen whether" to fine-tune the specific nuance of uncertainty you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is not certain that

Changes the adjective "uncertain" to its negated form, "not certain", for a direct synonym.

It is doubtful that

Replaces "uncertain" with "doubtful", implying a stronger degree of skepticism.

It is questionable whether

Substitutes "uncertain" with "questionable", focusing on the debate surrounding a point.

It remains to be seen whether

Indicates that the outcome is still pending and unknown, shifting the focus to future observation.

The likelihood is low that

Changes the structure to focus on the probability of an event occurring.

There's no guarantee that

Emphasizes the absence of assurance or certainty.

The outcome is unpredictable

Shifts the focus to the unpredictability of the situation's result.

It's up in the air whether

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey that the matter is unresolved.

The future is unclear regarding

Emphasizes the vagueness of future developments concerning a specific topic.

One cannot be sure if

Expresses uncertainty by focusing on the inability to confirm something definitely.

FAQs

How do I use "it is uncertain that" in a sentence?

Use "it is uncertain that" to introduce a statement about something that is not yet known or confirmed. For example, "It is uncertain that the new policy will be effective."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is doubtful that", "it is questionable whether", or "it remains to be seen whether" depending on the specific shade of uncertainty you want to convey.

Is it better to use "it is uncertain that" or "it is unclear that"?

Both phrases convey uncertainty, but "it is unclear that" often suggests a lack of understanding or information, while "it is uncertain that" emphasizes the unpredictable nature of an outcome. The choice depends on the specific context.

Can I use "it is uncertain that" in formal writing?

Yes, "it is uncertain that" is suitable for formal writing. It is a professional and grammatically correct way to express uncertainty, as shown by its use in news media and scientific publications.