major uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant level of doubt or unpredictability regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "The project's success is clouded by major uncertainty surrounding the funding sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It creates major uncertainty," Mr. Odenius said.

The New York Times

He said: "The major uncertainty is not the euro but China.

The Guardian - Business

One major uncertainty was the risk climate change might pose to food supplies.

The Guardian

Whether it works out like that in reality, though, as Fisher admits, "is a major uncertainty".

The Guardian - Business

Another major uncertainty is the possibility of carbon taxes or stricter regulations on carbon dioxide emissions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another major uncertainty was the possibility of future carbon taxes or stricter regulations on carbon dioxide emissions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The major uncertainty was who would take the musical reins after the departure at the end of this season of its musical director, Neeme Jarvi.

The New York Times

The major uncertainty, he said, was the EU referendum, with motor manufacturers having recently joined forces to warn against the possibility of Brexit.

The Guardian - Business

One major uncertainty is whether resveratrol in the mice experiments even acts through sirtuins, supporting the theory, or in some other way.

The New York Times - Health

The development of steamships in the 19th century allowed complete independence from the winds, removing the major uncertainty for sailors trying to follow a geometrically prescribed route.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the deal, Mr. Parsons can claim that he is resolving a major uncertainty for his company and, more important, is helping set America Online on the path to recovery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "major uncertainty", ensure that the context clearly identifies the source or area of uncertainty. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "major uncertainty" when the situation involves calculable risks or minor doubts. Using a more precise descriptor will give your writing more authority and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major uncertainty" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, indicating a significant level of unpredictability or doubt. Examples from Ludwig AI show it describing risks, problems, and sources affecting GPS.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major uncertainty" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote a substantial lack of predictability or clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and is commonly found across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, it is best practice to explicitly identify the area of uncertainty. While versatile, avoid using the phrase when describing situations with calculable risks to maintain precision. Alternatives such as "significant ambiguity", "considerable unpredictability", and "substantial doubt" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significant ambiguity

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and multiple possible interpretations.

Notable ambiguity

Stresses the quality of something being open to more than one interpretation or having a double meaning.

Substantial doubt

Focuses on the lack of conviction or belief in a particular outcome.

Serious doubt

Focuses on the lack of certainty that something is factually true.

Considerable unpredictability

Highlights the inability to foresee future events or outcomes.

Significant open question

Highlights the unsettled and important nature of a topic.

Great unknown

Evokes a sense of vast, unexplored, and potentially daunting uncertainty.

Critical question mark

Emphasizes the importance and open nature of an unresolved issue.

Formidable uncertainty

Underscores the imposing and challenging nature of the unknown.

Profound imprecision

Highlights a deep and significant lack of exactness or accuracy.

FAQs

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

Use "major uncertainty" to describe situations where there is a significant lack of predictability or clarity. For example: "The economic forecast is facing "major uncertainty" due to the new trade regulations."

What are some alternatives to "major uncertainty"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "significant ambiguity", "considerable unpredictability", or "substantial doubt".

Is it better to say "major uncertainty" or "serious uncertainty"?

"Major uncertainty" and "serious uncertainty" are quite similar. "Major" emphasizes the magnitude or extent of the uncertainty, while "serious" highlights the potential consequences or importance of the uncertainty.

What causes "major uncertainty" in financial markets?

Events such as unexpected political outcomes, shifts in economic policies, and global health crises can trigger "major uncertainty" in financial markets.