lessen uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lessen uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing ways to reduce doubt or ambiguity in a situation or decision-making process. Example: "To improve our project outcomes, we need to implement strategies that will help us lessen uncertainty in our planning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The bank has moved quickly to concentrate on what it deems its core businesses and lessen uncertainty around the unit's future.

The New York Times

There is one way to lessen uncertainty and risk: the government should quickly announce that it will be negotiating with the EU on the basis of the Norway option of EEA membership.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It urged increased research into scientific, technical and economic uncertainties about the magnitude, time and regional effects of global warming; potential policies to lessen its impact, and measures to adjust to a warmer earth when and if that happens.

The New York Times

Using software interpolation between registered whole-mount HE slices, as done in this study, will however lessen uncertainties in tumor border definition.

EJNMMI Research

Better disclosure not only offers an antidote to short-term earnings obsession but also serves to lessen investor uncertainty and so potentially reduce the cost of capital and increase the share price.

Harvard Business Review

Its design includes contributions extracted from a prior analysis of the existing assessment methods, to lessen the uncertainty of the job ratios often used in these types of analysis.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

There will be added urgency to that timetable after senior European commission and parliament figures said they wanted the Brexit talks speeded up, and for the UK to leave as soon as possible to lessen the uncertainty now facing the EU.

The Guardian

When firms can expect little of the civil service with respect to public goods provision and policy continuity, but can instead expect public servants to work for private gain, they develop strong incentives to turn to private arrangements in order to lessen the uncertainty and threats bred in the absence of strong state institutions.

Harvard University

The use of the beta-PERT distribution was also able to lessen the uncertainty caused by insufficient information or biased opinions.

Environmental Systems Research

The city's $250,000 rehabilitation program helped lessen lender uncertainty, she said, adding: "The lenders..

Los Angeles Times

Traders closer to the final consumer in the network experience systematically greater payoffs due to lessened strategic uncertainty.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in formal writing, prioritize the use of active voice constructions with "lessen uncertainty" to directly convey the action of reducing doubt, as this enhances readability and impact.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "lessen uncertainty" in casual conversation might sound overly formal. Opt for simpler phrases like "reduce doubts" or "make things clearer" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lessen uncertainty" functions as a verb phrase where "lessen" acts as a transitive verb, taking "uncertainty" as its direct object. As Ludwig AI explains, this usage is grammatically correct. The phrase describes the act of reducing the level of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lessen uncertainty" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of reducing doubt or ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, suggesting a formal register. Alternative phrases, such as "reduce uncertainty" or "mitigate uncertainty", offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. Remember to consider your audience and context when choosing the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce uncertainty

Uses a more common and direct verb, "reduce", instead of "lessen".

mitigate uncertainty

Employs a more formal and technical term, "mitigate", for reducing uncertainty.

diminish uncertainty

Replaces "lessen" with "diminish", suggesting a gradual reduction in uncertainty.

alleviate uncertainty

Substitutes "lessen" with "alleviate", implying a reduction in the burden or stress caused by uncertainty.

decrease uncertainty

Uses "decrease", a more straightforward synonym for "lessen".

minimise uncertainty

Employs "minimise", suggesting an attempt to reduce uncertainty to the smallest possible amount.

ease uncertainty

Replaces "lessen" with "ease", focusing on making uncertainty more manageable.

reduce unpredictability

Replaces "uncertainty" with the closely related term "unpredictability", shifting the focus slightly.

lessen unpredictability

Employs "lessen", in association to the term "unpredictability".

lessen volatility

Substitutes "uncertainty" with "volatility", focusing on reducing instability.

FAQs

How can I use "lessen uncertainty" in a sentence?

You can use "lessen uncertainty" to describe actions taken to reduce doubt or ambiguity in a situation. For example, "Better disclosure can "lessen uncertainty" for investors."

What are some alternatives to "lessen uncertainty"?

Alternatives include "reduce uncertainty", "mitigate uncertainty", or "diminish uncertainty". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "lessen uncertainty" formal or informal?

"Lessen uncertainty" is suitable for formal contexts, such as business reports, academic papers, or news articles. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "reduce doubt" or "make clearer".

What's the difference between "lessen uncertainty" and "reduce uncertainty"?

While both phrases are semantically similar, "reduce uncertainty" is more common and straightforward. "Lessen uncertainty" may be perceived as slightly more formal or sophisticated, but they are largely interchangeable.