not as sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as sure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a lesser degree of certainty compared to another statement or situation. Example: "I am not as sure about the outcome of this project as I was with the last one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

I'm not as sure.

Independent

Her competitors are not as sure.

The New York Times - Sports

Others are not as sure.

The New York Times - Science

But others were not as sure.

The Washington Post

Mr. Harris is not as sure.

The New York Times - Books

Clemens's teammates were not as sure.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Nunez, a backup infielder who hits better than Nix but is not as sure-handed in the field, was added to the A.L.C.S. roster in Jeter's place.

The New York Times

The LE Eco felt planted and stable in long, fast, corrugated corners — spots where the S felt firmer, but not as sure-footed.

The New York Times

One reason for all the repetition: Mr. Spader's new co-star, Megan Boone, who plays Reddington's foil in the series, a young F.B.I. agent named Liz Keen, is not as sure-footed in the scene.

The New York Times - Arts

However, science fiction critic Robert K. J. Killheffer, in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, wrote "it's not his best – it lacks the dense and evocative background of his Takeshi Kovacs books, and Morgan is not as sure-handed with near-future situations and characters – but it takes chances and largely succeeds".

Wikipedia

I wasn't as sure as other people were".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not as sure" to express a nuanced level of uncertainty, especially when comparing your current level of confidence to a previous one or to someone else's. For example, "I was initially optimistic, but now I'm "not as sure".

Common error

While "not as sure" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less decisive. In formal contexts, consider stronger alternatives like "uncertain", "doubtful", or "skeptical" for impactful communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as sure" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, indicating a reduced level of certainty or confidence. As shown by Ludwig, it commonly expresses a comparative lack of assurance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not as sure" is a versatile expression used to convey a reduced degree of certainty or confidence, primarily in contrast to a previous belief or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "less certain" or "doubtful" may be preferred in academic or professional contexts. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to express a nuanced level of uncertainty, making it a valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less certain

Indicates a reduced level of certainty compared to a previous state or another option.

not quite certain

Suggests a small amount of doubt remains.

not entirely convinced

Expresses a degree of skepticism or doubt.

somewhat doubtful

Highlights a mild level of doubt or uncertainty.

unsure to some extent

Acknowledges a partial lack of certainty.

not fully persuaded

Implies that further evidence or convincing is needed.

having reservations

Indicates underlying concerns or hesitations.

holding some doubts

Expresses the presence of unresolved uncertainties.

wavering in belief

Suggests a fluctuation or weakening of conviction.

questioning the validity

Indicates an active doubt about the truth or accuracy.

FAQs

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

You can use "not as sure" to express a lesser degree of certainty about something. For example, "I thought I knew the answer, but now I'm "not as sure"."

What's the difference between "not as sure" and "uncertain"?

"Not as sure" implies a comparison to a previous state of certainty, while "uncertain" is a more general expression of doubt. For example, you might say, "I was confident yesterday, but I'm "not as sure" today." In contrast, "I am uncertain about the future" expresses general uncertainty.

Are there synonyms for "not as sure" that sound more formal?

Yes, in formal contexts, consider alternatives like "less certain", "doubtful", or "skeptical". These alternatives convey a stronger sense of uncertainty.

Is it correct to say "I am not so sure" instead of "I am not as sure"?

Yes, "I am not so sure" is a valid alternative, although "I am "not as sure"" often implies a comparison. "I am not so sure" is slightly more informal.