not always sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not always sure" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express doubt or uncertainty about something. Example: "I'm not always sure if I made the right decision, but I did what felt best at the time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Even women doctors are not always sure what to do.

The New York Times - Health

They're not always sure why, or for whom.

The New York Times

Sometimes we're not always sure where we're going.

The New York Times

Little wonder that even emperors were not always sure who their real fathers were.

The New Yorker

(Well, most journalists; our science editor we're not always sure about).

The Economist

"People are not always sure what's made up and what's true," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

I must confess, I like Eli Manning, though I'm not always sure why.

The New York Times - Sports

People recognize Paul Giamatti in public sometimes, but they're not always sure why.

The New York Times - Magazine

But when the children are asked why they like things, they're not always sure.

The Guardian - Music

He was not always sure whether he was still in the police.

The Guardian

I have never been to hell, though I am not always sure.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not always sure" to convey uncertainty, but consider adding context to clarify the source or reason for the lack of certainty. For example, "I'm "not always sure" what the best course of action is in these situations."

Common error

Avoid using "not always sure" as a vague statement. Always provide context to explain what you're unsure about or why you lack certainty. For example, instead of saying "I'm "not always sure", specify what you're unsure of: "I'm "not always sure" if this approach will work."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not always sure" functions as a qualifier expressing a lack of complete certainty or confidence. It's used to indicate that doubt exists in certain situations, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It modifies a statement, suggesting a degree of uncertainty or tentativeness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not always sure" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of complete certainty or confidence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and common in written English. It is frequently used in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, with a neutral register that suits both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, consider providing context to clarify the source and degree of your uncertainty. Alternatives such as "not entirely certain" or "somewhat unsure" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely certain

Replaces "always" with "entirely", emphasizing a complete lack of certainty.

somewhat unsure

Uses "somewhat" to indicate a moderate degree of uncertainty.

not completely convinced

Focuses on a lack of full conviction rather than absolute certainty.

a bit doubtful

Employs "doubtful" to convey uncertainty or skepticism.

having some doubts

Indicates the presence of some level of uncertainty.

not fully persuaded

Implies that one has not been entirely won over or convinced.

uncertain to some extent

Uses "to some extent" to express partial uncertainty.

questioning something

Replaces "sure" by "questioning", suggesting a lack of certainty.

not quite clear

Shifts the focus to clarity rather than certainty but still conveys a lack of assurance.

hesitant about something

Expresses reluctance or uncertainty through hesitation.

FAQs

How can I use "not always sure" in a sentence?

The phrase "not always sure" is used to express uncertainty or a lack of complete confidence about something. For example, you could say, "I am "not always sure" of the best way to handle this problem."

What are some alternatives to "not always sure"?

Alternatives include "not entirely certain", "somewhat unsure", or "not completely convinced", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not always sure" or "unsure"?

"Unsure" is a more direct and concise way to express doubt. However, "not always sure" can be useful when you want to emphasize that your uncertainty is not constant. For example, "I'm generally confident, but I'm "not always sure" in these circumstances."

What's the difference between "not always sure" and "never sure"?

"Not always sure" indicates that there are times when you are sure, while "never sure" implies a complete and constant lack of certainty. The choice depends on whether you experience occasional or perpetual doubt.