not completely certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not completely certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or a lack of full confidence in a statement or situation. Example: "I am not completely certain about the outcome of the project, but I believe we are on the right track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Even her daughter was not completely certain.

The New York Times

Despite careful calculations, his father was not completely certain he would see it, Mr. Brown said.

The New York Times

At present we are not completely certain of all the details, but it appears that the cameraman you mention had something to do with it...

The New York Times

He said: "We are still not completely certain that this is Eadgyth, although all the scientific evidence points to this interpretation.

The Guardian

While he was at it, Mr. Murray said he was confident — but not completely certain — that a cat's claws would not harm an iPad's screen.

The New York Times - Tech

Oftentimes, even when they buy insurance, they're not completely certain they've made the right decision, and they all want to know, are they working with a company they can trust?

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

And it's no good to argue that we made a rod for our own backs by sharing something we weren't completely certain about.

The Guardian

"We weren't completely certain at the time that it was authentic.

Los Angeles Times

I wasn't completely certain it if it was Allah answering my dua, you can never be sure until you're looking back at your life.

Huffington Post

Usually it's best to reassure them, even if you say things that aren't completely certain.

WikiHow

Although allowances had been made for social circumstances, Dr Yvonne Kelly, the lead researcher, said they could not be completely certain that the children's better performance was not linked to their family background.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conveying uncertainty, qualify the statement with specific reasons to enhance credibility. For example, instead of saying "I'm not completely certain about the data", say "I'm not completely certain about the data because the sample size was small."

Common error

Avoid using "not completely certain" without giving further explanation. Vagueness can undermine your credibility. Instead, provide specific reasons for your uncertainty. For example, instead of saying "I'm not completely certain about the numbers", say "I'm not completely certain about the numbers because the methodology used to gather them is questionable."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not completely certain" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a state of uncertainty or doubt. Examples in Ludwig indicate its common usage in expressing reservations about facts or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not completely certain" serves as a linguistic tool for expressing a lack of full assurance or conviction. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. The phrase is best used when you want to convey a measured level of doubt without sounding overly negative, and to provide specific reasons for your uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, being mindful of these nuances will enhance your writing's precision and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather uncertain

Expresses a similar level of uncertainty but may sound slightly more formal than "not completely certain".

somewhat unsure

Indicates a milder degree of uncertainty compared to "not completely certain".

not fully confident

Focuses on the lack of assurance or self-belief, offering a nuanced take on uncertainty compared to "not completely certain".

not entirely convinced

Suggests a lack of full belief or persuasion, implying a stronger doubt than "not completely certain".

a bit dubious

Implies skepticism or hesitancy, conveying a stronger sense of doubt than "not completely certain".

slightly skeptical

Highlights a questioning attitude, presenting a doubt that is a bit more pronounced than in "not completely certain".

open to question

Suggests that something is debatable or not yet decided, shifting the focus from personal certainty to the nature of the information.

subject to doubt

Emphasizes that the topic is prone to being doubted or questioned, stressing the potential for uncertainty.

iffy

An informal way of expressing uncertainty, implying something is questionable or unreliable. Differs from the neutrality of "not completely certain".

up in the air

Indicates that the outcome or certainty is unresolved or undecided, differing from personal certainty to an event's uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "not completely certain" in a sentence?

You can use "not completely certain" to express doubt or a lack of full confidence. For example, "I am "not completely certain" about the outcome, but I remain hopeful."

What are some alternatives to "not completely certain"?

Alternatives include "somewhat unsure", "not entirely convinced", or "rather uncertain". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of uncertainty you wish to convey.

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

Both are valid, but "uncertain" implies a stronger lack of knowledge or conviction. "Not completely certain" suggests a partial, but not total, lack of certainty.

When is it appropriate to use "not completely certain" in formal writing?

It is appropriate when you want to express a measured level of doubt without sounding overly negative or dismissive. This allows you to acknowledge limitations while still conveying a degree of confidence in your overall assessment. Make sure you provide the rationale behind this level of uncertainty.