less certain

USAGE SUMMARY

"less certain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that is not as certain or reliable as something else. For example, "The outcome of the election is less certain now that the results are in question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less certain is why.

The New York Times - Sports

Nothing is less certain.

The Economist

Others are less certain.

The New York Times

Abramson was less certain.

The New Yorker

Others seem less certain.

The New York Times

Now that seems less certain.

The Economist

Father Kowalski sounded less certain.

The New York Times

Colonel Mennes was less certain.

The New York Times

Professor Levinson was less certain.

The New York Times

Nothing could be less certain.

The Economist

"Now I'm less certain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less certain", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is less certain about. Vague usage can lead to ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "less certain" when the situation warrants a stronger expression of disbelief or impossibility. "Less certain" implies a degree of possibility, however small, whereas some contexts require conveying complete rejection of an idea or outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less certain" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a reduced degree of certainty or confidence. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the examples show its usage to describe opinions, outcomes, or predictions that are not assured.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less certain" is a versatile phrase used to express a reduced level of confidence or predictability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of what specifically is "less certain" to avoid ambiguity. Although "less certain" is generally suitable, consider stronger alternatives if you wish to emphasize disbelief or impossibility. Remember that the best writing clearly and accurately reflects the intended degree of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain

A single-word synonym indicating a lack of sureness or predictability.

more doubtful

Focuses on the presence of doubt rather than a decrease in certainty.

not as sure

A more informal and direct way of expressing a lack of certainty.

less confident

Highlights a lack of confidence rather than a lack of certainty about a fact or outcome.

increasingly dubious

Suggests a growing sense of doubt or skepticism.

not entirely convinced

Emphasizes a partial lack of conviction or belief.

open to question

Indicates that something is disputable or not definitively settled.

questionable

Indicates the validity or truth of something is doubtful.

subject to debate

Suggests that a topic is still under discussion and lacks a definitive answer.

not set in stone

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is not fixed or unchangeable.

FAQs

How can I use "less certain" in a sentence?

You can use "less certain" to express a diminished level of confidence or predictability about something. For example, "The success of the project is "less certain" now due to the recent setbacks".

What are some alternatives to saying "less certain"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "more doubtful", "not as sure", or "less confident" as alternatives to "less certain".

What's the difference between "less certain" and "uncertain"?

"Less certain" implies a comparative decrease in certainty, while "uncertain" simply indicates a lack of certainty. If something was previously believed to be true but is now doubtful, "less certain" is appropriate. "Uncertain" is a more general term.

Is it always appropriate to use "less certain"?

While grammatically correct, "less certain" might not always be the most impactful choice. Consider stronger alternatives like "questionable" or "open to question" if you want to convey a stronger sense of doubt or disbelief.