less than certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express doubt or a lack of confidence in a particular situation or outcome. Example: "The weather forecast is less than certain, so we should prepare for both rain and sunshine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

But the prospects seem less than certain.

The New York Times

Unlike the museum, this house, built in 1938, is facing a less than certain future.

The New York Times

But even they sound less than certain how long that decision will hold.

The New York Times

But something in his voice suggested that he was less than certain.

The Guardian

To examine the claims of all knowledge that is less than certain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We will do it," Colonel Mohammed said, though he looked less than certain.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

PHILADELPHIA — The Pedro Martinez Era began on a less-than-certain note Wednesday, as the Phillies signed him and, before the ink was dry, placed him on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right shoulder.

The New York Times - Sports

It is especially puzzling given that Obama faces tough midterms and a less-than-certain re-election — and given that we all now know someone on the unemployment line.

The New York Times

To see the difficulty with less-than-certain evidence, consider the following example.

SEP

While it may not be possible to have certain beliefs, it is quite possible to have knowledge given that we construe it as justified but less-than-certain belief.

SEP

As Osler writes, "During the Renaissance and seventeenth century, the growth of empirical investigation, especially in natural history, yielded less-than-certain knowledge about the world, making it increasingly difficult to assimilate natural philosophy into the Aristotelian apodictic model for science" (Osler 1998, p. 91).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less than certain", consider the context and audience to ensure the level of uncertainty conveyed is appropriate. Avoid overusing the phrase, and vary your language with synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "less than certain" in situations that require definitive statements or guarantees. The phrase implies a degree of doubt, which can undermine the credibility of your claim if certainty is expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than certain" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a state of uncertainty or doubt. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less than certain" is a versatile phrase used to express doubt or a lack of confidence. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using "less than certain", it's important to consider the context and avoid overusing it or combining it with absolute statements. Alternatives such as "somewhat uncertain" or "not entirely sure" can offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Remember, effectively communicating uncertainty is key to maintaining credibility and fostering transparency in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat uncertain

Replaces "less than" with "somewhat", implying a slight degree of uncertainty.

not entirely sure

Uses a more direct and conversational tone to convey uncertainty.

open to doubt

Emphasizes the possibility of questioning or doubting the situation.

subject to doubt

Similar to "open to doubt", but slightly more formal.

not completely convinced

Highlights a lack of full belief or conviction.

questionable

A concise way to express that something is doubtful or uncertain.

dubious

Similar to "questionable", but often implies a stronger sense of skepticism.

unpredictable

Focuses on the inability to foresee a definite outcome.

tenuous

Implies a weak or fragile basis, leading to uncertainty.

up in the air

An informal idiom indicating that the outcome is still undecided or uncertain.

FAQs

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

Use "less than certain" to express doubt or a lack of confidence about a future outcome or current situation. For example: "The success of the project is "less than certain" due to budget constraints."

What are some alternatives to saying "less than certain"?

You can use phrases like "somewhat uncertain", "not entirely sure", or "open to doubt" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "less than certain" in formal writing?

Yes, "less than certain" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when expressing a degree of professional skepticism or acknowledging potential risks. However, ensure the overall tone remains objective and avoids excessive hedging.

What is the difference between "less than certain" and "unlikely"?

"Less than certain" suggests doubt or a lack of complete confidence, while "unlikely" implies a lower probability of occurrence. "Less than certain" is a milder expression of doubt than "unlikely".