not certain

USAGE SUMMARY

"not certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is uncertain or unknown. For example: "The outcome of the election is not certain yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not certain.

The Economist

A: It's not certain.

Independent

It's not certain yet.

Independent

But not certain?

The New Yorker

Easier, but not certain.

The Economist

It's not certain.

The New York Times

Well, I'm not certain".

The New York Times

"But I'm not certain".

The New York Times - Science

or not certain breeds".

The New York Times

Likely – but not certain.

The Guardian - Books

But that is not certain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing uncertainty, provide context or reasons to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "I'm not certain", you can say "I'm not certain about the exact date due to conflicting reports".

Common error

While "not certain" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound hesitant. In formal contexts, consider stronger alternatives like "unconfirmed" or "undetermined" to convey a more decisive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not certain" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to express uncertainty or a lack of definitive knowledge. It indicates that something is questionable or not definitively established, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not certain" is a common and grammatically correct way to express uncertainty or doubt. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently used in news and media contexts but appears less often in more formal writing, where synonyms like "uncertain" or "doubtful" might be preferred. When using this phrase, it's helpful to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Despite its frequent use, be mindful of overuse in formal writing to maintain a decisive tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain

A more concise synonym, lacking the explicit negation.

unsure

Similar in meaning, implying a lack of confidence.

not sure

Informal and conveys the same meaning as "not certain".

doubtful

Suggests a stronger degree of disbelief or skepticism.

in doubt

Suggests that uncertainty is a primary characteristic of the situation.

questionable

Implies that something is open to doubt or challenge.

dubious

Similar to questionable, but often carries a sense of suspicion.

open to question

Emphasizes that something is not settled or agreed upon.

up in the air

Idiomatic expression indicating that the outcome is still undecided.

subject to change

Indicates that something is likely to be modified or altered.

FAQs

What does "not certain" mean?

The phrase "not certain" indicates a lack of sureness or confidence about something. It means that the speaker or writer is unsure or doubtful about a fact, outcome, or belief.

What can I say instead of "not certain"?

You can use alternatives like "uncertain", "unsure", or "doubtful" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not certain" or "uncertain"?

Both "not certain" and "uncertain" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Uncertain" is generally more concise, while "not certain" might be used for emphasis or in specific idiomatic expressions. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the desired tone.

How to use "not certain" in a sentence?

You can use "not certain" in a sentence to express doubt or lack of knowledge. For example, "I am not certain about the details of the plan" or "The outcome of the negotiation is not certain".