less confident on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less confident on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a reduced level of confidence regarding a specific topic or situation. Example: "I feel less confident on my ability to present in front of large audiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But it was less confident on profits.

The Guardian - Business

She's much less confident on her feet these days.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For kids three and over who are less confident on wheels.

Independent

She described Operation Weeting as "nearer the finishing line than the starting gun" and said she was "less confident" on Tuleta being nearer the end than the beginning.

Independent

Girls are less confident on playing computer games.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

The important findings are: 1. Girls are less confident on playing computer games.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It's clear that his message of fighting for workers has caught on". Outsiders are less confident of that.

Los Angeles Times

As his support fades, he will feel less and less confident to make politically difficult choices, like taking on the militants who want to fight in Kashmir.

The New York Times

GPs and PNs were generally confident administering health assessments across all age groups, but three of the four PNs lacked confidence performing infant health checks, and one GP was less confident performing HKCs on younger children (<3.5 years) (Table  3).

BMC Family Practice

You will develop more confidence as you do this, and less confident when concentrating on "how you feel" in this new situation.

WikiHow

I am less confident, I am on anti-depressants and I suffer from anxiety".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less confident on", ensure that the object of the preposition "on" is clearly defined and directly related to the area where confidence is lacking. For example, "less confident on technical matters" is clearer than "less confident on things."

Common error

Avoid using "less confident on" with overly broad or ambiguous subjects. Instead of saying "I'm less confident on everything", specify the area, such as "I'm less confident on the financial aspects of the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less confident on" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, indicating a reduced state of assurance or certainty regarding a particular topic or skill. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is deemed correct in usage. This phrase typically precedes a noun or pronoun that specifies the area of reduced confidence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less confident on" is used to express a reduced level of certainty or assurance about a particular subject or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for a variety of communications. While grammatically sound, specificity in usage is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "not as assured about" may be more appropriate in formal settings. Being clear and specific when describing what you are "less confident on" will improve the clarity and effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as assured about

Emphasizes a reduction in certainty or assurance.

less certain regarding

Highlights a decrease in certainty concerning a specific matter.

not entirely convinced of

Indicates a partial lack of belief or persuasion.

somewhat doubtful about

Expresses a degree of doubt or skepticism.

having reservations about

Suggests underlying concerns or hesitations.

not fully persuaded about

Indicates a lack of complete conviction.

less optimistic concerning

Focuses on a reduced expectation of a positive outcome.

feeling less secure about

Highlights a decrease in feelings of safety or confidence.

not so self-assured in

Emphasizes a reduction in self-confidence or poise.

wavering in confidence regarding

Indicates fluctuation or instability in confidence levels.

FAQs

How can I use "less confident on" in a sentence?

You can use "less confident on" to express a reduced level of certainty or skill in a specific area. For instance, "I am "less confident on" my ability to handle complex statistical analysis".

What's a formal alternative to "less confident on"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "not as assured about", "less certain regarding", or "having reservations about" instead of "less confident on".

Is it grammatically correct to say "less confident on"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "less confident on" is commonly used to indicate a reduced level of confidence regarding a specific subject or skill.

Which is better, "less confident on" or "less confident about"?

Both "less confident on" and "less confident about" are acceptable, but "less confident about" might be slightly more common. The choice often depends on the specific context and personal preference. For example, consider instead: "not as assured about".