lots of uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'lots of uncertainty' is correct and is used in written English.
It is often used to describe situations with many unknowns, or a lack of clear information. For example, "The future of the economy is uncertain due to the coronavirus pandemic, and there is lots of uncertainty about how it will affect the job market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

There's still plenty we don't know and lots of uncertainty about the future.

The New York Times

"Having lots of volume, lots of uncertainty, lots of price volatility fits our trading style very well," Mr. Scott said.

The New York Times

Because there is lots of uncertainty out there, and you want to make sure the president has the options available to him to react however he so chooses".

The New York Times

Of course, because neither the minimum level of coverage, nor the costs to all the insurance options have been finalized, lots of uncertainty remains.

The New York Times

There are various types of targets, and lots of uncertainty about how each target could be met and what would happen if it was.

The Guardian

"There's lots of uncertainty," said Charles R. Fisher, a professor of biology at Pennsylvania State University, who is leading a federal study of the dark habitats and who observed the nearby community.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

There are still lots of uncertainties about that".

The New York Times

There's a lot of uncertainty.

The New York Times - Sports

"There is a lot of uncertainty.

The New York Times

But with a lot of uncertainty.

Cornell University

So, there is a lot of uncertainty.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider quantifying the uncertainty if possible. For example, instead of just saying "lots of uncertainty", you could say "a high degree of uncertainty" or "significant uncertainty".

Common error

Avoid using "lots of uncertainty" when the uncertainty is already implied by the context. Redundancy can weaken your writing. For example, instead of saying "the forecast is unpredictable, with lots of uncertainty", just say "the forecast is highly unpredictable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lots of uncertainty" functions as a noun phrase expressing a high degree of indeterminacy or unpredictability. As Ludwig AI shows, it is commonly used to describe situations where outcomes are unclear or information is lacking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lots of uncertainty" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase expressing a high degree of indeterminacy or unpredictability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as a noun phrase and serves to convey doubt or risk, as seen in numerous examples across news, academic, and business contexts. While slightly informal, its widespread use makes it appropriate for a range of situations. Related phrases like "significant ambiguity" and "considerable doubt" offer more formal alternatives. When using "lots of uncertainty", focus on clarifying the source of the uncertainty to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable unpredictability

Focuses on the inability to know what will happen.

significant unpredictability

Highlights the inability to foresee future outcomes.

significant ambiguity

Stresses the existence of multiple possible meanings or interpretations.

considerable ambiguity

Emphasizes the lack of clear definition or understanding.

great deal of doubt

Underscores the presence of a significant amount of skepticism.

substantial doubt

Focuses on the presence of considerable skepticism or disbelief.

much vagueness

Emphasizes a lack of precision or detail.

vast unknown

Highlights the large scope of things that are not known.

marked instability

Suggests a lack of firmness or steadiness.

high level of risk

Highlights the potential for negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lots of uncertainty" in a more formal way?

Consider alternatives such as "significant ambiguity", "considerable doubt", or "substantial unpredictability" for a more formal tone.

What are some situations where using "lots of uncertainty" is appropriate?

This phrase is appropriate when describing situations where outcomes are unpredictable, information is lacking, or there are multiple possible interpretations. It works well in contexts ranging from economic forecasts to scientific research.

What's the difference between "lots of uncertainty" and "a lot of uncertainty"?

The phrases are virtually interchangeable. "Lots of" is slightly less formal than "a lot of", but in most contexts, they convey the same meaning and can be used similarly.

How does the use of "lots of uncertainty" impact the tone of a sentence?

Using "lots of uncertainty" typically adds a slightly informal tone to a sentence. While perfectly acceptable in many contexts, opting for a more formal phrase like "significant uncertainty" can enhance the professional feel of your writing.