less uncertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less uncertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing levels of uncertainty, indicating that something is more certain than another option. Example: "After reviewing the data, we can say that our predictions are less uncertain than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Alternative terms are no less uncertain.

The Guardian

Federal court documents for the 2003 tests are less uncertain.

The New York Times - Sports

In less uncertain times, Theresa May's control freakery and Corbyn's inflexibility might not matter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Structurally, we believe Mecom's outlook is less uncertain than the UK regional press.

The Guardian - Business

But for him, tomorrow was no less uncertain than it ever had been.

The Guardian - Music

His prospects are no less uncertain, and they might not be as bright either.

The New York Times - Sports

But if you choose to be less uncertain, there is only one way to put that optimism to work.

The New York Times

We'll have to wait to find out for another less uncertain political moment, when the themes of Goldman's life can be addressed head-on.

The New York Times - Arts

The place is so orderly that the police break up teenage parties in private houses at midnight.Another is that it makes the future less uncertain.

The Economist

He was drunk, his memory unreliable: 'I was sure we hadn't had sex [but] something had obviously gone on.' The woman, her recollection less uncertain, later sold the story of their dalliance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Because fewer people are able to get mortgages to buy their own homes, the private rental market is booming, and landlords in central London know they will have no difficulty in renting elsewhere to less uncertain tenants.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and precision in writing, use "less uncertain" to accurately depict situations where the level of uncertainty has decreased, but not necessarily eliminated. For situations that eliminated uncertainty use "certain".

Common error

Avoid using "less uncertain" when the situation is actually completely certain. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where some degree of doubt still exists, but it's notably reduced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less uncertain" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate that something possesses a lower degree of uncertainty than something else. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less uncertain" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI highlights its widespread use across various domains, including science, news, and formal business settings. It serves to communicate a reduction in ambiguity, risk, or doubt, suggesting a higher degree of predictability or reliability. When writing, remember that "less uncertain" should only be used when there is actually a reduction in uncertainty, for cases where uncertainty is completely removed, a phrase such as "certain" is more appropriate. Alternatives like "more definite" or "more predictable" can be used to refine the meaning, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminished uncertainty

Uses a noun phrase to describe the reduction in uncertainty.

more definite

Replaces "uncertain" with its antonym, creating a direct opposite comparison.

more predictable

Shifts the focus from uncertainty to the predictability of outcomes.

more assured

Emphasizes a feeling of confidence and certainty.

more reliable

Highlights the dependability and trustworthiness of information or outcomes.

reduced ambiguity

Replaces "uncertain" with "ambiguity" focusing on clarity.

more established

Suggests a stronger foundation or confirmation.

increased clarity

Shifts the emphasis to the gain in clarity rather than the reduction in uncertainty.

more conclusive

Indicates a stronger resolution or definitive result.

better defined

Focuses on the clarity and precision of something previously vague.

FAQs

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

Use "less uncertain" to describe a situation where the level of uncertainty has decreased. For example, "After further analysis, the results are "less uncertain" than initially anticipated".

What are some alternatives to "less uncertain"?

You can use alternatives like "more definite", "more predictable", or "more assured" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "less uncertain"?

Yes, "less uncertain" is grammatically correct. It is a comparative adjective phrase used to indicate a lower degree of uncertainty.

Which is correct, "less uncertain" or "more certain"?

Both "less uncertain" and "more certain" can be correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Less uncertain" implies a reduction in uncertainty, while "more certain" implies an increase in confidence or definiteness. The better choice depends on the specific meaning you wish to convey.